Lance Klusener is an ingredient that the Proteas has been missing in the limited-overs format for some time now, writes Alasdair Fraser.

What a pleasure to see the former explosive Proteas legend join the backroom staff of the national side.

South Africa have been too formulaic with the bat and lacked that explosive edge over the past couple of white-ball seasons. A legend like Zulu might be the right tonic to guide the Proteas into a new way of thinking.

Klusener brings a wealth of international experience and has been in the domestic coaching set-up for several seasons, while also enjoying stints with various T20 franchises on the ever-expanding global circuit.

Don’t be fooled by his laidback demeanour, though, because there is a serious cricketing brain on those broad shoulders.

For me one of the most important aspects of Zulu’s appointment, however, will be his reunion with Andile Phehlukwayo – a cricketing all-rounder who Klusener – a former mentor – believes has the potential to be even better than himself.

Back in 2016, while he was the coach of the Dolphins, Klusener had nothing but praise for Phelukwayo’s talent, stating: “Andile is a superstar. He has great potential and if he is given a good opportunity, he will do well.”

Three years later and the two will be reunited again, but now in the fiery cauldron of international cricket.

The timing is perfect. Phehlukwayo was one of the few players who could hold his head up high after a dismal World Cup for the Proteas.

Under Klusener’s tutelage, we might see another edge to Phehlukwayo’s game, the likes of which we have not seen before.

The lessons learned from that dark period in May and June will provide invaluable experience for the burgeoning all-rounder, as we look ahead to the T20 World Cup in Australia later this summer.

Klusener’s appointment adds huge value. He can voluntarily – if needed – offer his assistance in the bowling department. Zulu often bowled at the death and can provide valuable insight into bowling tactics, which certainly bodes well for Phehlukwayo, and the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje.

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Having a former Proteas legend, and the 1999 World Cup Player of the Tournament, gives a much-needed warmth to this new era of South African cricket. The senior core of this group will have idolised Zulu during his playing career and deeply sympathised with him after Edgbaston ’99. 

If anyone knows pain, it’s Klusener. This Proteas outfit will still be hurting, and they desperately need to put it behind them.

Zulu is the right man to ease that pain and allow the light to illuminate and heal those wounds as we look forward to a bumper feast of white-ball cricketing action. 

If all else fails, we might see the meteoric rise of Andile Phehlukwayo as the World’s No 1 All-Rounder. 

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