“We’re going to make mistakes along the way. As long as we keep learning from those mistakes, and hopefully don’t repeat them, we’re heading in the right direction,” said Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher, in his address to the media after South Africa won the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Impressed with the Proteas batsmen, Boucher said “it was good to see quite a few of our batters in the runs,” ahead of important series against Pakistan and Australia. Boucher was also pleased with the young and inexperienced Proteas bowling group. The bowlers “learnt a lot of lessons and learnt them very quickly. As long as we see growth, we’re happy,” said Boucher.
Boucher highlighted batting and bowling partnerships as key contributors to the Proteas’ victories in both Tests. On a tough Wanderers wicket, Boucher said it was important for the team to “keep a positive mindset.” “If we got a partnership, we had to drive that advantage home,” said Boucher, while referring to Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen’s 184-run partnership. While the batting collapse following Dean Elgar’s dismissal was disappointing, Boucher credited Sri Lanka’s bowlers for putting in a disciplined bowling performance.
Effusive in his praise for Proteas opening batsman, Dean Elgar, Boucher is “Very happy that Dean is in good form.” The Proteas have talked extensively about employing a more aggressive batting approach. To see Elgar dominate at the top of the order has been a major positive in this series.
Similarly, Boucher was excited about the potential young fast bowler, Lutho Sipamla, displayed in this series. After battling nerves on the first day of his debut game at SuperSport Park, he showed significant improvement in his lines, particularly against left-handers at the Wanderers. Overall, Boucher appreciated Sipamla’s commitment, acknowledging, “That’s a good sign for me, when a guy is so passionate about playing for his country. It means a lot to him.”
Boucher also heaped praise on all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, stating, “Wiaan was fantastic for us.” Boucher further explained, “Wiaan has been out of the game for a long time and he was hungry to go out there and perform.” Complimenting Mulder’s desire to learn, Boucher said, “His attitude is great as well. I see a big future for Wiaan.”
Reflecting on life in a bio-secure environment, Boucher said the team was taken care of exceedingly well at the Irene Country Lodge. However, Boucher said, “We will keep learning from bubble life and do what we have to do to make life a lot easier for players.”
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