South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen has relished a promising start to a Proteas career that has already yielded four half-centuries in 10 fixtures.

Van der Dussen, who debuted in October 2018, struck 56 against Zimbabwe in a T20I in East London last year – and has since welcomed 93, 80 not out and 50 not out in this year’s ODIs against Pakistan.

‘The feeling that I have received from all the guys is that you don’t have to prove yourself. Everyone knows what you can do,’ Van der Dussen told Rayder Media.

‘Everyone in the squad backs you and respects you as a player. They know what you are capable of. That’s very reassuring when you are coming into a squad and playing with guys who have been your heroes for many years – guys like Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis.

‘To know that those sorts of guys know your capabilities and are backing you is very reassuring. It’s a very welcoming environment and it’s laid-back, but obviously very professional. It’s definitely an environment that has a lot of pride and brings the best out of you as a player.’

The 30-year-old right-hander is in contention for a berth in the squad for the World Cup, scheduled for the United Kingdom later this year.

‘You can’t get away from it. It is a World Cup year. There is a lot being spoken about and written about. When I got the call-up to the ODI squad, I was just grateful to be involved. I thought if I could just play one match in the five-match series, it would be a dream come true. I ended up playing all five and doing quite well,’ added Van der Dussen.

‘I am not looking too far ahead. I know I can perform at this level now. I just need to make sure I am at my best at every moment, every ball. The rest will follow. In terms of selection for the World Cup, I know that if I do all those things whatever happens, will happen.’

Photo: Gallo