Walter announces Proteas World Cup squad

Walter announces Proteas World Cup squad

Proteas coach Rob Walter has announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The Cricket World Cup will be played in India from 5 October to 19 November 2023.

The squad will be led by Temba Bavuma who will also be playing in his first 50-over World Cup.

ALSO READ: Hugo Broos names final Bafana squad

The bowling attack includes Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Gerald Coetzee. There are also three spin options in Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Aiden Markram.

PROTEAS CRICKET WORLD CUP SQUAD

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions) and Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

Proteas coach Rob Walter has announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Temba Bavuma

TEAM MANAGEMENT LED BY ROB WALTER

Rob Walter (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Jean-Paul Duminy (Batting Coach), Eric Simons (Bowling Coach), Wandile Gwavu (Fielding Coach), Thomas Dawson-Squibb (Performance Coach), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Zunaid Wadee (Security Officer).

“It is always tough choosing a World Cup squad,” said Rob Walter.

“I’ve said it a couple of times, the stronger the depth of your team, the better the players are that you’re leaving out.

“It’s great having a mix of experienced players and players who will be competing in their first 50-over World Cup. You get that sort of exuberance of excitement to be doing something for the first time.”

“I would like to congratulate all of them on their selection and I am sure they will represent the Proteas badge with distinction and honour. We have no doubt they will give everything in India and do their best to try and bring the trophy home.”

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock has announced that he will retire from ODI cricket following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Since making his ODI debut in 2013, the 30-year-old has gone to play 140 matches. He has amassed almost 6 000 runs at an average of 44.85. One of his career highlights came up against Australia in 2016 when scored a career-best 178 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

He was also named full time captain of the side from 2020 – 2021.

Australia seal series against Proteas, Ferreira impress 

Australia seal series against Proteas, Ferreira impress 

Donovan Ferreira top scored with a debut 48 but it was not enough as an improved Proteas lost the series to Australia. South Africa went down by five wickets in the third and final KFC T20 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Sunday.

The result ensured the tourists ran out 3-0 winners after bigger wins in the first two games.

DONOVAN FERREIRA IMPRESSES ON DEBUT 

However, they were made to work much harder in match three thanks in part to 25-year-old all-rounder Ferreira. He plundered five sixes and one four in a rollicking 21-ball innings that helped South Africa post 190 for eight after winning the toss and batting.

The Australian batters were ruthless though in reply, chasing down the target with 13 balls to spare after a pulsating 91 (48 balls, 8 fours, 6 sixes) by Travis Head.

The hosts, however, can take several positives out of the final encounter, not least Ferreira’s performance.

At the start of the game, Temba Bavuma (0) and another debutant Matthew Breetzke (5) were out cheaply, with captain Aiden Markram (41) and Reeza Hendricks (42) rebuilding through a 58-run third-wicket stand.

Donovan Ferreira top scored with a debut 48 but it was not enough as an improved Proteas
Australia celebrate

PROTEAS T20I SQUAD AGAINST AUSTRALIA 

Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Donovan Ferreira (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans) and Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

KFC T20I SERIES 

Wednesday, 30 August at 18:00

South Africa lost to Australia by 111 runs at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Friday, 01 September at 18:00

South Africa lost to Australia by 8 wickets at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Sunday, 03 September at 14:00

South Africa lost to Australia by 5 wickets at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban.

Man of the match performance by Bavuma as Proteas clinch series  

Man of the match performance by Bavuma as Proteas clinch series  

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma produced a man of the match performance as South Africa clinched the series against West Indies 2-0. 

The Proteas completed a convincing 284-run win over the West Indies on the fourth day of the second Test at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Also read: Captain fantastic Bavuma ton puts Proteas on top 

The result sealed a 2-0 series win for South Africa after they won the opening match by 87 runs in Centurion.

Temba Bavuma with the captain’s innings 

Bavuma was the rock for the Proteas, but he managed to add just one to his overnight 171, falling for 172 (280) balls when he hooked Jason Holder (3/48) to Kemar Roach at deep square leg. 

Maharaj (10) and Rabada (16) did not last too long with the South African innings ending on 321 in 100.4 overs. Kyle Mayers was the pick of the visiting bowlers with three for 46.

The Proteas test squad led by Temba Bavuma pose with their trophy following series win against West Indies
The Proteas test squad led by Temba Bavuma pose with their trophy following series win against West Indies

Temba Bavuma and Proteas bowlers come to the party 

Victory was set up by paceman Gerald Coetzee (3/37) and spinner Simon Harmer (3/45), together with double strikes from Keshav Maharaj (2/4) and Kagiso Rabada (2/19). The quartet helped the hosts blow away the tourists for 106 in 35.1 overs.

It was a clinical performance on what turned out to be the final day of the series. It began with the home side batting in a strong position on 287 for seven in the second innings and looking to build on their lead.

West Indies suffer dramatic collapse 

In reply, West Indies suffered a dramatic early collapse when six wickets fell for 13 runs. They had started solidly in pursuit of 391 by reaching 21 for none in the 11th over, before Rabada claimed two wickets in three balls, first trapping skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (18) leg before wicket and then having Raymon Reifer caught behind for duck.

Also read: Markram, De Zorzi hit half-centuries for Proteas 

Tagenarine Chanderpaul (2), Roston Chase (0), Jermaine Blackwood (4) and Mayers (7) all fell during the mayhem leaving the away side on 34 for six by the 19th over.

Joshua da Silva (34) and Holder (19) added some respectability to the scoreline by putting on 48 for the seventh wicket, before Coetzee cut through both and Harmer ended the game with the final wicket of Josephs (18).

RELATED POST: Aiden Markram replace Bavuma as Proteas T20I captain

Captain fantastic Bavuma ton puts Proteas on top 

Captain fantastic Bavuma ton puts Proteas on top 

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma produced his best century for South Africa to ensure they went to stumps on day three of the second Test against West Indies at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.

The South Africa captain scored an unbeaten career-best 171 off 275 balls to almost single-handed carry his side into a strong position.

Also read: New era for the Proteas under Temba Bavuma and Conrad

They reached the close on the third day with a total of 287 for seven thanks in the main to Bavuma. His main support came from Wiaan Mulder (42) and Simon Harmer (19) to some extent, but the rest of the batters struggled.

The Proteas had started the day on four for none and they fell into early trouble when Dean Elgar (5) and Tony de Zorzi (1). Both fell inside the opening half-hour, Kyle Mayers (2/25) causing the early damage.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma celebrate his second century
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma celebrate his second century

That brought Bavuma in with the score on eight for two and a massive rebuilding job awaited. Things got even worse as the morning progressed with batter of the series thus far, Aiden Markram, edging Kemar Roach (1/54) behind to Joshua da Silva for 18.

It was 32 for three at that stage and another wicket fell 37 runs later when Ryan Rickelton (10) edged Raymon Reifer (1/36) to the West Indian wicketkeeper as the Proteas battled to string together any meaningful partnerships.

Also read: Aiden Markram replace Bavuma as Proteas T20I captain

Then when Alzarri Joseph (2/49) next removed Heinrich Klaasen (14), the home side were reeling on 103 for five.

Bavuma was a spectator at the other end for most of that time, but he finally find support through Mulder as the pair added 103 for the sixth wicket to double South Africa’s score.

 Temba Bavuma scores second century for Proteas 

During the partnership Bavuma went to only his second Test century in 192 balls and he then picked up the pace to reach his 150 in another 62 deliveries as he shared an important 71-run stand with Harmer.

The skipper lost his partner a few overs before stumps when he was trapped leg before wicket by Jason Holder (1/35), but he remained unbeaten to leave the home side in a strong position.

RELATED POST: Limpopo Impalas play their last match of the season 

Markram, De Zorzi hit half-centuries for Proteas 

Markram, De Zorzi hit half-centuries for Proteas 

Half-centuries by Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi handed the Proteas the edge after opening day of the second Test against West Indies at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The hosts reached stumps on 311 for seven thanks in the main to opener Markram. Markram was also the Player of the Match in the series opener. He scored a century and 47, thanks to his scintillating 96 (139 balls, 17 fours).

IMPRESSIVE DEBUT AT THE WANDERERS 

De Zorzi, who is an international debutant in the series, also impressed with 85 off 155 balls. He banked a maiden Test 50.

However, the home side lost most of that impetus when the tourists claimed five wickets in the final two hours to remain well in the game after the first day.

There was nonetheless plenty of positives for South Africa to be encouraged by, especially after their struggles with the bat over the past year.

ALSO READ: Aiden Markram replace Bavuma as Proteas T20I captain

This time around they again won the toss at the start, with captain Temba Bavuma electing to bat first. Dean Elgar and Markram both scored quickly early on as the Proteas went to 50 in 11 overs.

The partnership reached 76. Before the Elgar was excellently caught by Roston Chase diving forward at short fine leg off pick-of-the-bowlers Gudakesh Motie (3/75) for 42 off 54 balls. 

AIDEN MARKRAM AND TONY DE ZORZI SHINE FOR THE PROTEAS 

That brought together De Zorzi and Markram, who together had the biggest partnership of the innings. The two put on 116 together for the second wicket. Taking their side to 192 when Markram tried to sweep and instead miscued to Jermaine Blackwood running to the leg side from slip, falling four short of a century.

Proteas batter Aiden Markram fell short of a century by four runs against West Indies
Proteas batter Aiden Markram fell short of a century by four runs against West Indies

The Proteas continued to look comfortable after tea when Bavuma (28) settled in nicely. Only to be trapped leg before wicket by Jason Holder (1/39) ending a third wicket stand of 56.4

ALSO READ: Anrich Nortje, Langeveldt released from Proteas Test squad

De Zorzi followed not too long after when he was bowled by Motie. With the recalled Ryan Rickelton next to go after reaching 22.

Kyle Mayers (2/24) added the late wickets of Wiaan Mulder (12) and Simon Harmer (1). He capped a strong comeback for the islanders as they took back some of the initiative that had been seized by South Africa.

RELATED POST: Markram ton helps Proteas in opening day 

Aiden Markram replace Bavuma as Proteas T20I captain

Aiden Markram replace Bavuma as Proteas T20I captain

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday announced the ODI and T20I squads with Aiden Markram named Proteas T20I captain to take over from Temba Bavuma. CSA also confirmed the coaching appointments for the white-ball series against West Indies later this month.

The 28-year-old Markram takes over from Temba Bavuma, who stepped down as T20I captain last month. Markram has a wealth of leadership experience having previously led South Africa at Under-19 level earlier in his career and also captained at provincial and franchise level as well. Most recently, he led Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the inaugural Betway SA20 title.

Other notable selections include DP World Lions Bjorn Fortuin, and his Lions teammate, all-rounder Sisanda Magala.

ALSO READ: Markram ton helps Proteas in opening day 

Pace pair Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have also been given a much-needed break for the series.

Four uncapped players have been named in the squad with ITEC Knights fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, Six Gun Grill Western Province batter Tony de Zorzi and Dafabet Warriors batter Tristan Stubbs earning their maiden ODI call-ups.

DP World Lions batter Ryan Rickelton makes his return to the ODI setup following an impressive One-Day Cup campaign which saw the left-hander finish the leading run-scorer with 452 runs at an average of 64,57, including two hundreds and as many fifties.

1ST AND 2ND ODI SQUAD

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins),Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

PROTEAS 3RD ODI SQUAD AGAINST WEST INDIES

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins),Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

AIDEN MARKRAM TO LEAD T20I SQUAD IN PLACE OF TEMBA BAVUMA

Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors).

ALSO READ: New era for the Proteas under Temba Bavuma and Conrad

JP Duminy has been appointed the full-time white-ball batting coach. The 38-year-old recently coached the Paarl Royals in the SA20 league and the Paarl Rocks provincial team this season. He also enjoyed a prosperous playing career for the Proteas, having garnered a combined 280 limited-overs caps, during which time he became the third leading run-scorer in T20Is for South Africa.

Former Proteas all-rounder and Western Province stalwart, Rory Kleinveldt joins the white-ball tour as the bowling coach. Along with DP World Lions head coach Wandile Gwavu, who will take charge of the fielding. The permanent bowling and fielding coaches will be announced at a later date.

TEAM MANAGEMENT AGAINST WEST INDIES

Rob Walter (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), JP Duminy (Batting Coach), Rory Kleinveldt (Bowling Coach), Wandile Gwavu (Fielding Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning coach), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security), Lucy Davey (Media Manager).

ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL SERIES AGAINST WEST INDIES SCHEDULE

Thursday, 16 March at 13:00

South Africa vs West Indies – Buffalo Park, East London

Saturday, 18 March at 13:00

South Africa vs West Indies – Buffalo Park, East London

Tuesday, 21 March at 10:00

South Africa vs West Indies – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

South Africa KFC T20 International Series against West Indies

Saturday, 25 March at 14:00

South Africa vs West Indies – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 26 March at 14:00

South Africa vs West Indies – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Tuesday, 28 March at 18:00

South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

RELATED STORY:  CSA announces Proteas support staff for West Indies series

New era for the Proteas under Temba Bavuma and Conrad

New era for the Proteas under Temba Bavuma and Conrad

The Proteas will formally begin a new era in South African cricket under captain Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad.

The Proteas will face West Indies in the first Betway Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday.

Bavuma will take the reins for the first time as captain with Shukri Conrad heading the hosts as red-ball coach for the two-game sequence
The final assignment for the home side in their 2021-2023 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The Proteas are fourth in the rankings having been in the top three for most of the competition.

EXCITING TIMES FOR TEMBA BAVUMA AND THE PROTEAS

“I think it’s exciting times for all the guys involved,” Bavuma told journalists on Monday.

“It’s the start of a new journey. We’d like to start with a clean slate and really go out there playing the way we want to play.

“I think you’re going to hear me saying that a lot, how we want to go about our business. That’s the exciting part,” he said.

“I’d like to see how it all looks like on the field of play. We come into the series against the West Indies wanting to win the series and that is what we’ll be aiming to do.”

SHUKRI CONRAD RECEIVES HIGE BOOST WITH SOME KEY PLAYERS RETURNING

The squad is bolstered by the return of Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen and Ryan Rickelton.

“Looking at the squad of 15, we’ve got resources whether we decide to go with a pace attack, we have the guys to do that, we’ve got the opportunity as well to go with the spin attack with guys like Kesh (Keshav Maharaj) and (Simon) Harmer,” Bavuma explained.

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad

“We also have the opportunity as well to go maybe with an extra batter at number seven. That will still be decided by the coach. But I think we have enough resources to back up whatever tactic we decide on.”

The West Indies have never won a series in South Africa and only once beat the hosts back in 2007.

South Africa has won the toss and chose to bat first in the first match. Play in both matches is scheduled to begin at 10:00 on each day.

 ALSO READ: CSA announces Proteas support staff for West Indies series

England deny Proteas 3-0 ODI sweep in Kimberley

England deny Proteas 3-0 ODI sweep in Kimberley

Proteas batter Heinrich Klaasen struck 80 runs from 42 balls but it was not enough as they fell 59 runs short in the third ODI against England in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Klaasen clubbed two sixes and seven fours in his entertaining effort that kept South Africa on course to chase down of 347 before they ran out of wickets.

South Africa eventually fell to 287 all out. Klaasen was supported by Reeza Hendricks (52 off 61 balls, 6 fours), captain Temba Bavuma (35), Aiden Markram (39) and Wayne Parnell (34).

However, a career-best six for 40 by England paceman Jofra Archer proved detrimental and was decisive in the final outcome.

South Africa came into match with three with back-to-back wins over England in Bloemfontein. They rested fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.

PROTEAS STILL NOT IN THE TOP EIGHT

The Proteas remained in ninth place on the ICC World Cup Super League table. They have two matches against Netherlands still to come later in the season.

Proteas ODI squad after series win against England
Proteas ODI squad after series win against England

Defeats in late March and early April could force the Proteas to enter a qualifying tournament.

ODI SERIES AGAINST ENGLAND RESULTS

Friday, 27 January

South Africa beat England by 27 runs – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Sunday, 29 January

South Africa beat England by five wickets – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

 Wednesday, 01 February

South Africa lost to England by 59 runs – The Oval, Kimberley

CSA announces Proteas ODI Squad for the England series

CSA announces Proteas ODI Squad for the England series

Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) on Wednesday named a strong 16-man Proteas ODI Squad for the upcoming three-match Betway One-Day International (ODI) Series against England. The series will start from 27 January until 01 February in Bloemfontein and Kimberley.

All-rounder Sisanda Magala makes his return to the national setup, along with Marco Jansen. Both players hoping to add to their three 50-over caps.

Recently appointed red-ball coach Shukri Conrad will oversee the series as the Proteas seek to secure qualification points for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The squad will assemble in Bloemfontein from 24-25 January.

PROTEAS ODI SQUAD AGAINST ENGLAND

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj, (Hollywoodbets Dolphins),  Janneman Malan (Gbets Rocks), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

MIXTURE OF YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE

“The selection panel is particularly excited by the depth of this squad, with a mix of youth and experience. We are confident that this group of players will take us one step closer to qualifying for the ICC Men’s World Cup,” said convenor of selectors Victor Mpitsang.

“We are also pleased with the inclusion of Sisanda. The commitment he has shown to meet the fitness standards required for national selection.

Proteas ODI squad for England series
Proteas ODI squad for England series

“The three-match series against England will kickstart our international home season following months on the road. We would like to wish Temba and Shukri well in what will no doubt be an exciting series against quality opposition.”

Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe added: “Shukri will oversee the series in consultation with Rob (Walter), who is currently in New Zealand as he prepares to assume his role ahead of the start of his tenure as limited-overs coach, which comes into effect from 01 February.”

SOUTH AFRICA BETWAY ODI SERIES

Friday, 27 January – 13:00

South Africa vs England – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Sunday, 29 January – 10:00

South Africa vs England – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Wednesday, 01 February – 13:00

South Africa vs England – The Oval, Kimberley

Proteas target last Test match Improvement

Proteas target last Test match Improvement

Proteas captain Dean Elgar says pride and the opportunity to still qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final are two major driving factors. This as the Proteas prepare to face Australia in the third and last Test of their series in Sydney starting on Wednesday.

The clash at the SCG is a dead rubber after the hosts won the first two matches of the series. All that the South Africans can now hope for is a consolation victory. Although a win will also keep them alive in the hunt for a place in that WTC decider later this year.

Elgar and his charges are presently placed fourth behind the Australians, India and Sri Lanka. A win for the home side in Sydney will guarantee them a place in the final.

PROTEAS GEAR UP FOR AUSTRALIA

“There’s plenty to play for,” the Proteas skipper told the media ahead of the game.

“We’re playing for pride, we’re playing for a potential place in the WTC final. So we’ve also got a lot to play for.

“That’s a massive incentive for us and for me you play every Test match like it’s your last. Hopefully we can put on a better spectacle this time. We always want to play good Test cricket and be a thorn in the side of the opposition. We’ll be aiming to be better again this time.”

Temba Bavuma of the Proteas
Temba Bavuma of the Proteas

DISAPPOINTING BATTING SO FAR

South Africa has been disappointing with the bat throughout the series, especially the top order. Barring some exceptions like Kyle Verreynne and Temba Bavuma, Elgar believes the batters need to be far better in this game.

“You can’t hide in Test cricket and the top five. We obviously need to find a way to deal with and negate the demands of batting discipline in Test cricket.”

Theunis de Bruyn will miss the match due to a paternity leave. This means there will be at least one change to the line-up.

“I think Kyle’s been brilliant for us at six and moving him around I don’t think is going to help us or help him at all and I don’t think it’s fair.”