Tabraiz Shamsi spoke to the media after the Proteas’ 4-wicket defeat at Boland Park and is confident that the Proteas are en route to finding the form they desire, writes Abhai Sawkar.
It was another electric finish, and England have secured the series victory, courtesy a strong effort with the ball, a clinical knock from Dawid Malan, and a few handy blows from captain Eoin Morgan to seal the deal.
Following a struggle with the bat, the Proteas’ hopes were alive as left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi made regular inroads. His three-wicket haul was a positive for the home side, as well as a handy cameo from George Linde that drove them to a competitive total.
Regarding the lingering questions about the balance of the Proteas XI, Shamsi emphasized the need to remain calm and collected, since the extended lockdown period kept players away from much-needed practice for a long time.
There’s been an ongoing discussion about allrounders, and how they can win games, but the Proteas XI of both games employed specialist batsmen for the first six positions.
“That’s ultimately Quinny’s decision [team balance] since he’s the captain, but I think we have a strong bowling lineup. It takes a while to [get back in form] since we haven’t played in months,” said Shamsi.
“So it’ll take us some more time to gel again – previously, before the lockdown, we played against England and Australia. At this moment we don’t have to panic.”
Shamsi was the pick of the bowling lineup today, and he did well to make use of the conditions presented as well as incorporate his variations to maintain an economical spell. He claimed the wicket of the matchwinner from the previous game, but it was always going to be tough defending a relatively lower total despite a tricky surface to bat on.
“I’ve played in Paarl for a couple of years during the MSL. My role is nice and simple – I just need to do the job properly, and it doesn’t matter where I’m playing or at what stage in the innings I’m bowling,” said Shamsi.
“I was disappointed with how I went last game, and I was ready to correct my mistakes today. Every time you take a wicket for South Africa, it’s a nice feeling. I enjoyed taking the wicket of Jonny Bairstow since he was great last game. He’s obviously a world-class player, and it feels great to take a big wicket.”
England may have won the series, but every game counts, with all things considered. Both teams will return to Newlands on Tuesday for the final game of this series.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
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