“I know what Faf is worth as a cricketer,” said Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher, in his address to the media after South Africa beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 45 runs in the first of the two-Test series between the two teams.
With a new batting order, Boucher highlighted the need for experience. Expressing his confidence in du Plessis’ ability, “For good players, there are big runs around the corner. Faf scoring runs is gold dust to us.”
Boucher was most impressed with the batting, particularly because of the nature of the wicket and the fact that the Sri Lankan bowling attack was at full strength initially.
While disappointed with the Proteas’ bowling performance in the first innings, Boucher was pleased to see the improvements made in the second innings. “Our bowling in the second innings was what we expect of them. We had the intent,” said Boucher.
Boucher conceded that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged his team to “think out of the box.” With players being challenged by heavy workloads, Boucher recognized early that the Proteas would need a big squad this season. “Got to take the emotion out of it and make smart cricketing decisions,” he said.
During early discussions for this tour, the medical teams of Cricket South Africa and Sri Lanka Cricket agreed that a player would have to be injured to be replaced.
Given injuries to Proteas bowlers such as Glenton Stuurman, who is currently being monitored by the medical staff, Kagiso Rabada and Beuran Hendricks are being prepared to enter the bio-bubble. However, Boucher and the medical team are exercising caution with Rabada, waiting to assess his workload over the next three days.
For the upcoming tours of Pakistan and South Africa, Boucher is hesitant to chop and change a batting order that has scored over 600 runs in an innings. It’s “no time to start experimenting,” he said. Boucher also clarified he was keen on having Proteas spinner, Keshav Maharaj, in the team for the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Wanderers.
Migael Pretorius has been released from the Bio-Secure Environment (BSE) due to a muscle injury to his right shoulder. He will go back to his franchise for rehabilitation.
Beuran Hendricks has been reinstated to the Proteas Test squad following the completion of thorough and successful COVID-19 and pre-BSE entry protocols. He joined the team yesterday evening.
The left-arm seamer will begin training with the team ahead of the second Betway Test match against Sri Lanka with immediate effect.
South Africa is currently 1-0 up in the two-match series.
Proteas Test Squad vs Sri Lanka
Quinton de Kock (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Faf du Plessis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras), Beuran Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Raynard van Tonder (VKB Knights).
