Reeza Hendricks remains optimistic about his future despite his unfortunate World Cup snub.
Hendricks can perhaps feel hard done by not being on the plane to England. His average of 27.76 in the ODI format belies the opener’s talent.
Hendricks’ career stats do not tell the full story of a man capable of rising to the big occasion. On debut against Sri Lanka in Palekele, Hendricks announced himself to the world with an 89-ball 102.
He has shown too that he has a resilient quality about him. In the wake of his ton on debut, the 29-year-old displayed great mental toughness as he rebounded from a string of single-figure scores to score a maiden ODI half-century.
While Hashim Amla battled poor form and dealing with family matters, Hendricks took his place at the top of the order alongside Quinton de Kock for the home ODI series against Sri Lanka.
When Amla’s frame of mind improved, however, the Proteas stalwart pipped Hendricks for a place in the 15-man squad.
With Amla’s future beyond the World Cup yet to be determined and the Proteas struggling to lay a solid foundation atop the order, Hendricks hopes a Proteas recall is imminent.
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Despite the gloom surrounding the Proteas at present, Hendricks is adamant that better days lie ahead.
“There are a lot of youngsters coming through so we should give them opportunities. The future is looking bright in South Africa,” he said.
The first T20I takes place on 15 September in Dharamsala.
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