“We expect a tough encounter, a tough challenge (from Sri Lanka),” said Proteas white-ball captain, Temba Bavuma, in his pre-departure address to the media.
Given South Africa’s impressive record in Sri Lanka, Bavuma is optimistic about his team’s chances of winning. In particular, Bavuma hopes the batting group makes the most of the opportunity to test their skills in spinning conditions. “Ideal for us to be put under that type of pressure,” remarked Bavuma.
With the World T20 slated to be held in the UAE and Oman, where conditions are expected to be similar to what the Proteas will face in Sri Lanka, Bavuma believes it is ideal preparation for the team. “In Dubai, we expect conditions to be like Sri Lanka.”
While the batting group’s ability to play spin will be tested, Bavuma will have a world-class spin attack comprising of Tabraiz Shamsi and George Linde. “With those two spinners, we can more than just compete. We can dominate in those conditions,” confidently stated Bavuma.
Although this press conference aimed to discuss the upcoming contest between South Africa and Sri Lanka, much of the conversation revolved around the Social Justice and Nation Building hearings in which members of the South Africa team setup have been implicated.
Bavuma confirmed that the team had been following the hearings. “Most of the guys are following the SJN with passion.” He added, “Everyone understands the significance of it. Everyone is positive about it.”
The SJN hearings have implicated certain members of the national team setup. Bavuma conceded the team was cognizant of it. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have an impact on us.”
Head Coach, Mark Boucher, who has been named by former South African players in the SJN hearings addressed the team.
“Our coach, Mark Boucher, has addressed us. He provided context and clarity. As much as we operate as a team, these types of matters do come up. It’s important we deal with it internally,” said Bavuma.
Bavuma’s priority as captain is to create an environment in which players from all backgrounds feel welcome and are comfortable expressing themselves.
“For me, the biggest take is that you want to create an environment that allows guys to have a strong sense of belonging, effectively allow them to express themselves. We all have different backgrounds, which in turn shapes our perspectives,” concluded Bavuma.
Proteas ODI squad to Sri Lanka:
Temba Bavuma (captain, Imperial Lions), Beuran Hendricks (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Reeza
Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), George Linde (Six Gun Grill
Western Province), Janneman Malan (The Rocks), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden
Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Imperial Lions), Anrich Nortje (Warriors),
Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (North West Dragons), Kagiso
Rabada (Imperial Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions),
Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Lizaad
Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans).
