Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium is all set to host the World Cup 2023 encounter between South Africa and Sri Lanka. While the revamped stadium looks ready for the big clash, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma is also satisfied with the team’s preparations.
Bavuma looked all positive and confident ahead of his team’s WC opener as he pointed out the guys are fit, the team has had a couple of good training sessions and they are raring to go.
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“I think we are satisfied with our preparation. Yes, we didn’t get the opportunity to have the matches because of the weather. I think from the freshness point of view, I think the guys are fit and that’s the positive we can take. We had a good couple of training sessions, there is an optional one today. We have played at this ground before so we kind of know what to expect. I guess we are as ready as we can be for tomorrow’s game,” Bavuma said while addressing the media ahead of the clash against Sri Lanka.
South Africa possess a pace-heavy bowling attack with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen in it. However, the South Africa skipper emphasised that spin duo Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi are the bowlers who can provide them with the variety that is required in Indian conditions.
“I think with the South African attack is as predictable as it maybe. As a South African team bowling is our strength, that’s no secret. We do have guys like Keshav, Shamsi that give us the variety if the condition asks we can play more than one spinner, we do have guys who can step in. The biggest thing is condition and we are trying to put together a team that can do as best as they can.”
Is bowling a concern?
Barring Ngidi and Jansen, the other South African bowlers leaked some runs during their warm-up match against New Zealand. When asked if bowling is a bit of a concern for the side, Bavuma replied negatively but added that the bowlers need to dominate in all three phases of the innings.
“I won’t say bowling is a concern but there are areas where we can improve on. We always try to judge ourselves in three different phases within the game. I think there haven’t been instances where we have dominated in all the three phases—the powerplay, the middle overs and the death overs as a bowling team. So, from that point of view, I do believe that there’s room for growth,” he said.
“The guys have put in the work in the nets. But it’s more from a mental point of view, guys getting themselves into spaces where they can play their best cricket. But I do believe that there is a team effort kind of a thing these days where if the batting doesn’t fire, the bowlers come through and vice versa,” he added.
“At the moment, maybe it’s the batters who are firing more and taking on that responsibility. There is surely room for improvement within the bowling front.”
Talking about the series against Australia, the right-handed batter mentioned that the side managed to pick up the momentum in the later stage to bounce back.
“I think the way we performed in those last three ODIs (against Australia) epitomises us as a team. We started slowly within that series but we managed to pick it up. Like you said, within the bowling there was definitely improvement. We were always put under pressure in the death overs because the way the guys David Warner, Travis Head came out and played in the powerplay. I think Australia getting 90 in 10 overs, we don’t expect teams getting more than that,” Bavuma added.
Resilience is our strength
Bavuma is well aware of the kind of match-winners that the opponents have but the Proteas skipper feels that his team has character and the resilience his players have shown in recent times will be their strength.
“I think all the teams have match-winners at their disposal whether batting or bowling. I think for us, the biggest thing is our character. I hear a lot of boys speak about our resilience. That’s something that stands us in good points. Also, willingness and desire from guys to put in the big performances from the team. The guys don’t shy away from pressure moments and going towards them. The boys are willing to grab the opportunities. The personality of the team, that is where our strength is. Resilience and desire to play for the team,” he said.
Expectations on our shoulders
South Africa haven’t won a World Cup yet and Bavuma understands that there is some expectation on his shoulders. “I think most guys will tell you that they try and block it out but it is probably impossible to block out that noise. That expectation and pressure will always be there in the World Cup.”
Bavuma further admitted that the narrative will stay till the South African team win a silverware.
“I took a comfort at the captain dinner, when I heard the other captains speaking about the pressure and kind of hearing about the emotions I think it is same for all of us. The biggest thing for me is to accept that it is what it is. As a South African team we do have that chip in our block that’s narrative is always going to be there until we win a silverware. Our biggest way of dealing with that is to be fully focused about how we are going to be on the field. It is a process of nine games, getting through those group stage and getting to the playoffs, where anything can happen. That pressure, expectation is going to be there with any Proteas cricketing team, we have to deal with it,” he said.
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