Tristan Stubbs credits Albie Morkel for helping him get his swing back for the Proteas

Tristan Stubbs has credited his resurgence at the on-going T20 World Cup to Proteas skills consultant Albie Morkel. 

The Proteas ‘finisher’ endured a torrid period in the shortest format during 2025, which ultimately saw him dropped from the initial T20 World Cup squad. 

It was only due to an injury to Joburg Kings slugger Donovan Ferreira during the latter stages of Betway SA20 that opened the door for Stubbs to be recalled. 

But the 25-year-old has grasped the opportunity with both hands by making valuable contributions throughout the Proteas’ campaign thus far. 

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain was brilliant during the double Super Over contest against Afghanistan, striking a six off the final delivery off the first Super Over to tie up the match, and then blasted the first ball of the next Super Over for another maximum. 

He also made a valuable 34 not out off just 19 balls against Canada, but it was his undefeated 44 off only 24 balls against India that swung the match in favour of the Proteas. 

“I've done some work here with Albie. He's been really good,” Stubbs told the media on Tuesday. 

“But I knew once I got the confidence back in my hitting, I knew my game was there. Just every time I've tried to, prior to the SA20, try to clear the ropes, it just, it just didn't work. 

“So once I got that, got my swing back where I thought it was back where it needed to be, then it goes from there. And T20, it's a lot about these similar patterns.

“I think it also comes down to playing one format for a consistent period of time. It's so hard chopping and changing. Test cricket, you have to be so disciplined.

“Your technique really matters. We're now pretty much till the end of August where I don't have to worry about my front shoulder or left elbow. I'm just trying to hit all over the rope.”

Stubbs’ growing maturity has also been a feature of innings as he timed the assault against India to perfection.

From the outside it may have appeared that he was leaving it too late, but having now gained the experience of playing international cricket and in major T20 Leagues for the past few years, he was assessing the situation all the time. 

“It was about managing the situation. We still had a lot of time. Five overs in a T20 game is a lot of overs,  30 balls and can make a big difference,” Stubbs said.

If I had sort of fallen into that way the other day, with the situation we're in, the loss of wickets, and when you wanted to pull the trigger, like Dave (Miller) then goes out, and then you've lost a lot of wickets. Like you can't just go too early, then you all blow out.”