Proteas coach Russell Domingo says he is under no more pressure than any other international coach as South Africa prepare to take on England in a five-match ODI series.
Under Domingo’s watch South Africa have slipped from No 1 to No 3 on the ICC Test rankings. They lost an ODI series in Bangladesh last year for the first time ever, but have since achieved series victories against New Zealand (at home) and India (away).
Domingo’s position has come under scrutiny after the team’s decline in Test cricket, but he remains confident of the one-day side’s ability.
‘Every series loss will cause pressure on me as coach, there’s no doubt about that,’ Domingo said. ‘That is the nature of our jobs. But once you take stock and regather your thoughts you move on and focus on the next series and take it one seasons at a time. We just want to play good cricket.
‘I’m under no more pressure than any other international coach I don’t think.’
South Africa and England both have strong batting line-ups, so it might come down to the bowlers to decide matches in a time when par scores in the 50-over format have increased to 300-plus.
South Africa are without Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander for the entire series, while Kyle Abbott misses the first game on Wednesday. Marchant de Lange and David Wiese has been called up to strengthen the side for the first two ODIs after Albie Morkel had to withdraw due to injury.
Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada will be rested during for parts of the series as talks of Rabada possibly joining a English county side continues.
Domingo has given his blessing should such a move materialise for the young fast bowler.
‘Rabada playing country cricket will benefit him massively,’ Domingo said. ‘He’s still a young boy. He hasn’t played a lot of four-day cricket and I know South Africa tour England in 2017. There’s a big Test series there and there’s a Champions Trophy. So there’s a lot of cricket to be played in England next year.
‘Whatever experience he [Rabada] can get before going there will be beneficial for him and for the team so I think it’s a very good idea for him.’
