Captain Temba Bavuma feels that the Proteas team chosen are well equipped to handle anything that the Sri Lankans may throw at them in Durban. Picture: AFP
It wasn’t surprising on Tuesday that Proteas captain Temba Bavuma was quick to dispel the notion that the first Test against Sri Lanka, kicking off at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday morning (9.30am start), was a knockout game.
South African cricket teams and knockout matches don’t go hand in hand, particularly on the men’s side, considering the forgettable history in that regard over the years. Things have been more positive on that front recently, with the Proteas reaching their first World Cup final in the T20 format earlier this year.
So, perhaps Bavuma’s unit should view the first Sri Lanka encounter as a must-win situation in their quest to reach next year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
South Africa are fifth on the current standings, and have to win all four remaining Tests this summer – two each against Sri Lanka and Pakistan – to have any chance of ending in the top two positions, depending on how other results pan out over the next few months.
The visitors are fighting for that same goal themselves, and are third on the log.
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The hosts are trying hard to not think too far ahead. Coach Shukri Conrad’s team are well aware of the Sri Lankans’ resurgence under new mentor Sanath Jayasuriya. They beat New Zealand 2-0 in Sri Lanka in September, which the Kiwis followed up with a 3-0 triumph over India in India.
They won’t be overawed by the challenge in South Africa either, considering their 2-0 triumph in Mzansi in 2019. The South Africans did well to dispatch Bangladesh 2-0 away last month with the big hundreds from the likes of Kyle Verreynne, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder particularly pleasing.
He announced the starting XI as well on Tuesday, with Keshav Maharaj the only spinner in a bowling attack that includes Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen and Mulder. The skipper feels that the team chosen are well equipped to handle anything that the Sri Lankans may throw at them.
“From a seam point of view, we are quite confident in the guys that we’ve selected. From a spin point of view, Keshav – if there is a need for a second spinner, we do have Aiden as well, who can give us that opportunity,” the right-hander said yesterday.
“Looking at the wicket, we feel that if it does spin, it will probably be at the end of the game, considering the weather as well. The seamers will come into play, and we are quite confident in our bowling pack.
“Obviously, from their side in terms of their preparation, fast-bowling will be a thing. Playing South Africa in South Africa, that is always a challenge, but I’m sure they will be backing their preparation and be able to at least have answers to that challenge.
“I think they have been playing very good cricket, and for us as a team, we know that we will have to be at our best. They were successful here in Durban, and were successful in PE as well six years ago or so. So, we know that we are going to have to be at our best.”
Bavuma missed out on the Bangladesh series due to elbow and other injuries, but is keen to make a significant difference to the side in his 10th year as a Test player.
“I’m excited to be back within the team again. I think you should be seeing some good stuff from the guys,” the 34-year-old said.
“The word knockout hasn’t come about in the team. The expectation and the pressure, I do believe that’s something that has come from outside of the team.
“So, what we have spoken about as a team is looking inwardly as a team. We understand what has brought us results – albeit it’s only been for a short period. We want to concentrate and focus on that as much as we can. We know what we’d like to achieve as a team, and we know we are getting closer to what we want to achieve.”
Proteas XI v Sri Lanka, first Test: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj.
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