Proteas bowling coach Piet Botha says South Africa’s growing pool of fast bowlers is a “privilege, not an obstacle” as they continue to build towards upcoming World Cups.

With Kagiso Rabada being closely managed, Lungi Ngidi rotated, and Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee returning from injuries, Botha believes the variety of options now available gives the selectors flexibility to tailor combinations.

“I’m just privileged to have such a big group,” Botha said. “Because the nature of international cricket now is there’s always a management of players. The last series we had to play Lungi in two games and someone else in the third just to manage him, because the England series was also coming up. Then you get the odd injury that you also have to manage. So I think it’s a blessing to have a big group because two years ago it wasn’t the case.”

One of the biggest success stories has been Corbin Bosch, who has quickly become a trusted option at the death with his ability to deliver yorkers.

“He’s got this unique ability to land a yorker and for a long time we’ve searched for someone who can actually do that,” Botha said.

“He proved in the T20s to be very effective with that. Even if you get hit once or twice trying, it’s to stick to it and keep believing in that process. We’ve now brought it into the 50-over format too, and when the game gets to a point where we need to bowl at the death, he’s certainly the guy who can do that role for us, together with someone like KG and Lungi.”

The Proteas have also been boosted by Burger’s strong return. After struggling in the first ODI in Australia, the left-armer struck back with control and pace in the second.

“Very pleased because obviously he struggled a bit in the first one, but came back superbly well and bowled a superb spell up front,” Botha said. “That first 10 overs are so crucial, and I think he set the tone really well there.”

There remains uncertainty over off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who was reported for a suspect action on debut. Botha accompanied him to the testing in Brisbane and is optimistic about the outcome.

“The update we got from them is that they have to submit all the info to the ICC, and then ICC will give us an answer within the next 7 to 14 days,” he explained. “It was very professional, and from what I saw, it will be a surprise to me if he doesn’t make it.”

Looking ahead to the ODI series in England, Botha expects pitches to be slower at this time of year but believes the bowling group is well-equipped to adapt.

“In general, we do expect wickets to be a little bit weary because they’ve had a full season on most of them,” he said. “At Leeds, for example, the big square boundaries and a slower pitch can bring a certain game plan into play. It’s about analysing the ground and having the right options.”

For Botha, every game remains part of a bigger picture: building confidence and combinations on the road to the 2027 World Cup.

“For us, every season is very important to look at combinations, but also to get the confidence of the team there,” he said. “The only way to get that confidence is to get used to competitions. And if you can do that, then you’ve taken the next step.”