Captain Faf du Plessis has introduced some refreshing perspectives ahead of South Africa’s opening match of the 2019 World Cup against England at The Oval in London on Thursday.

Plenty of pressure awaits the Proteas, who are followed by a history of four World Cup semi-final defeats, in an attempt to beat the No 1-ranked ODI team and tournament co-hosts.

‘Cricket is a very important aspect of all our lives, but it’s not everything,’ said Du Plessis during Wednesday’ pre-match media conference.

‘I want to win cricket games, but I don’t need to win them. As a team, hopefully that can filter through. Nobody told me that five years ago, and hopefully it gives the rest of the guys a bit more of a relaxed feel.

‘The absolute worst-case scenario is that we don’t make it, and that’s okay. Life will go on.’

South Africa and England have met 59 times in the intermediate format of the international game. The South Africans have won 29 and the English 26, with one tie and three no-results. Thursday, then, presents the Proteas with a chance to gather a 30th triumph.

‘If we win tomorrow, we will treat it exactly the same as if we lose tomorrow. That’s really important for us to have that same outlook throughout the tournament,’ added Du Plessis.

‘For us, it’s trying to make sure that we don’t go too high or too low when we win or lose. We have a calm intensity in our dressing room in terms of the way that we speak.’

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