Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey
T20 World Cup & Global Trophy: Too Little Too Late for Proteas? | Can South Africa win the T20 World Cup? Proteas in T20 cricket: Do they have what it takes?
“Quite frankly, the one-day game in England was a mess four years ago; light years behind the rest of the world. There was no plan in place, the team had no identity, the selection was all wrong’’ – World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan after their successful 2019 ODI World Cup campaign.
What did England do after that humiliating 2015 World Cup group stage exit? They hired a new director of cricket, new coach, and implemented a new game plan; a plan that identified ‘white ball specialists’ and allowed them time to settle within the side, with a very clearly-defined role.
Where do the Proteas lie now?
Where England were in 2015 sounds a bit like the current state of South African cricket.
The journey for the Proteas T20 side, leading into the upcoming World Cup, has not been as smooth as they would have liked. With the tournament likely to be in the near future (despite doubts), it still may be all too late for such plans to be implemented.
The Proteas have used 24 different players in their playing XIs in their past 10 T20Is (dating back to March 2019); a serious indication of the lack of a game plan going into the tournament.
Of course, preparation and ‘game plans’ go far beyond a mere playing XI. The composition of the side is also important. Is six batsmen, one all-rounder and four bowlers the best option? Will the Proteas give up a batsman for an all-rounder to add a sixth bowling option? One or two spinners? Who takes the new ball? Who opens the batting with Quinton de Kock? Will AB de Villiers and Imran Tahir be available?
These are a few of the questions that need answering long before the Proteas board that flight to Australia. Unfortunately, those in charge of making such decisions are as unsure as they have ever been heading into a T20 World Cup; a tournament South Africa have been eliminated in the second round in four out of six occasions.
The most frustrating part for fans is that South Africa undoubtedly have the raw material to go all the way. On paper, South Africa are as strong as any other side at the tournament, boasting world class talents like Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers (if available), Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir (if available).
The good news is that the Proteas could get some much-needed breathing room, with World Cup potentially postponed to next year. This is crucial after sustaining back-to-back home series defeats to England and Australia.
Cricket South Africa have been able to schedule a highly-anticipated three-match T20I series at home against a powerful Indian side, which could be their last their T20 assignment before the World Cup. What should happen in that series, if South Africa are to have any chance at being competitive, is the following:
1. Pick a squad and stick with it between now and the World Cup
There will likely be very little (if any) T20 cricket between now and the World Cup to impress national selectors. So, players will be picked based on past performances at domestic and international level, as well as work ethic behind the scenes.
Recent performances, i.e. current form, should carry greater weighting when selecting a squad. The players that excelled against the likes of Australia and England should retain their spots.
A prime example is the rotation between Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan and Temba Bavuma as Quinton de Kock’s opening partner. Bavuma put his hand up against England and played a number of handy innings as well as an impressive ‘brand’ of cricket that South Africa’s white ball cricketers must adopt.
Bavuma should partner de Kock at the of the order. Let them develop a relationship, and allow them time to ‘mold’ into that role.
Enjoying Daniel Orsmond’s content so far? Also check out his Best South Africa Test XI Since Readmission
2. Players need to make their intentions known immediately
There is still lots of uncertainty around the likes of AB de Villiers, Imran Tahir, and Chris Morris; three players who would significantly improve the quality of any Proteas T20 side. More importantly, they are three players who would undoubtedly increase South Africa’s chances of being successful at the World Cup.
Whether they should be allowed to return to the Proteas setup is a different debate altogether. One that we can have at a different time. But, for now, many wouldn’t argue that the experience they’ve gained as ‘superstars’ of the global T20 circuit will only be beneficial. If they are not part of the squad against India, it is hard to see them being part of the World Cup squad.
3. Clearly defined roles within the side
Will Quinton de Kock go after the bowlers from ball one? Should David Miller be in as early possible or should he be saved for the final four overs?
Does Rabada start with two overs upfront and save two for the death? Or should all four be saved for the latter end of the innings? Who bowls the last over when the opposition need six?
Do the spinners only bowl after the powerplay? Or is there confidence to bowl spin in the first six overs? Does that depend on who South Africa are playing against?
It is one thing to have a team that is comprised of 11 quality players, but the most successful teams, especially in knockouts, have always known exactly what each player’s role is.
Glenn McGrath’s forte was upfront with the new ball, bowling consistent line and length. Brett Lee was more for the death overs. For South Africa, Paul Harris was never going to spin webs around a top order, but Graeme Smith knew exactly how to use him. More importantly, Harris himself knew what his role was within that legendary bowling unit.
Enjoying Daniel Orsmond’s content? Also check out his Best South Africa Test XI Since Readmission
Closing remarks
On a more positive note, it is fair to say that the Proteas are not real ‘title contenders’ right now. Can they win the tournament? Absolutely, they can. But, are they front runners? No, they are not.
South Africa are in the dark horses category, with the likes of New Zealand and West Indies, which has the potential to ease a bit of pressure on the boys down under.
Having said that, cricket fans will always go into a tournament with hope (and expectations) that our country can win the tournament. Given the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, along with the pressure that comes with knockouts, quite literally anything could happen.
I, for one, am backing the boys to go all the way.
Written by Daniel Orsmond. Follow Daniel on Twitter today.
Also read: Best South Africa Test XI Since Readmission
