White-ball coach Rob Walter has revealed George Linde’s place in the Proteas’ pecking order after the spin-bowler all-rounder was left out of the Champions Trophy squad.
Linde returned to the Proteas T20 set-up last December having last played for the national team in the shortest format in July 2021.
He went on to be named Player of the Series against Pakistan after scoring 48 with the bat and taking 4-21 with the ball in Durban.
However, it wasn’t enough for the 33-year-old, who last played ODI cricket in September 2021, to crack South Africa’s 15-man Champions Trophy squad.
“I’m very pleased we were able to give George an opportunity after what has already been a very good season for him,” Walter told Rapport. “His chance came in T20 cricket, and he was named Player of the Series. That’s exactly what you want – a player who comes in and shoots the lights out.
“I’m under no illusions about the quality of George Linde. His chances will depend on the balance we’re looking for in the team. It often happens that our all-rounders have the same kind of skills.
“Obviously we have Kesh [Maharaj] as our left-arm spinner, and Bjorn [Fortuin] who has also done very well recently. Then Shammo [left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi] is also there, of course. It all counted against George, but against Pakistan could we give him a chance in the T20s.
“In one-day cricket it’s difficult because we have Kesh,” Walter added. “But who knows, if we get an injury, it might create an opportunity for George again.
“Things can change quickly; this season we’ve had seven fast bowlers injured, and it creates opportunities. Our aim is to build an enlarged group that can compete on the international stage.”
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