“We are, by no means, a second-string squad,” said stand-in Proteas T20 skipper, Heinrich Klaasen, as the Proteas prepare for the T20 leg of the tour of Pakistan.
Determined to make a stamp on this series, Klaasen stated emphatically, “We’re definitely looking to win this series. We’re going to play to the best of our abilities.”
Having recovered from a severe bout of COVID-19, Klaasen has been able to play only four games this season. He’s been working hard with his domestic team, the Titans, and indicated he is getting back into some sort of rhythm. “I’m hitting the ball very nicely,” Klaasen said.
Klaasen maintained that the results of the Test series have no bearing on how the T20 team plays. Despite the absence of many first-choice players, Klaasen said: “A lot of the young guys have unbelievable potential to do well in international cricket. South Africa has loads of talent that people don’t see.”
The Proteas are still trying to assess the conditions. In a practice game the team played, Klaasen said: “The wicket looked good. Didn’t look like the ball turned a lot. Hopefully, we can take them on there.”
Klaasen is unflustered by many of the experienced players being rested. “We’ve done this quite a bit, where we rest our players.” Referring to the opportunities for younger players, Klaasen said: “It’s exciting times for our players. We’re here to win this. We’ve come with a strong squad.”
Full Squad:
Heinrich Klaasen (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans),
Nandre Burger (Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras),
Okuhle Cele (Momentum Multiply Titans),
Junior Dala (Momentum Multiply Titans),
Bjorn Fortuin (Imperial Lions),
Reeza Hendricks (Imperial Lions),
George Linde (Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras),
Janneman Malan (Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras),
David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins),
Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins),
Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions),
Ryan Rickleton (Imperial Lions),
Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans),
Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions),
Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors),
Pite van Biljon (VKB Knights),
Glenton Stuurman (Warriors),
Jacques Snyman (VKB Knights).
