“Conditions suit us more than them. If we execute well, we have a good chance,” said Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher, in his media address ahead of the Boxing Day Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
With the team in a rebuilding phase, Boucher stated emphatically, “The aspiration is to start winning.” However, Boucher said it was important to be realistic as “it will take time for young players to feel secure in their positions.”
Reiterating his assertion for the team to play “aggressive but smart cricket,” Boucher looked to the leaders in the team, including former captain, Faf du Plessis, to drive that culture in the team.
Boucher confirmed that stand-in captain, Quinton de Kock, will continue to bat at five, given his proclivity to score quickly.
De Kock’s presence at the crease, Boucher said, means that oppositions “have to land the ball in the right areas when is around.” As the conversation around de Kock’s workload continues, Boucher said, “We are in constant chats with him to manage his workload,” seeing that he plays all three formats for South Africa.
Boucher clarified that he was under no pressure to ensure the series against Sri Lanka goes off smoothly in the aftermath of the ODI leg of England’s tour to South Africa being called off because of concerns regarding COVID-19 cases within the two teams bio-bubbles.
“I don’t like to micromanage. It’s not my job to manage the bubble,” said Boucher. While he is keen for the team to play cricket and will continue to convey the importance of maintaining bio-bubble integrity, Boucher said the team follows the directions of the medical staff.
Boucher revealed there were injury concerns in the Proteas camp, with fast bowlers, Lungi Ngidi and Glenton Stuurman reporting niggles. While they had good training sessions today, the team management will wait to see how they feel Friday and determine whether they are available for selection.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
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