Former batsman Herschelle Gibbs has encouraged the Proteas to quieten expectations during the 2019 World Cup in the United Kingdom.

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South Africa have traditionally entered the tournament among the favourites to clinch the title, but not necessarily this year.

‘SA aren’t really in a position to overthink this. We should just go out there and play with freedom and without high expectations, because we aren’t among the favourites,’ said Gibbs.

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Group stages and quarter-finals have been removed – and the World Cup has reverted to the format experienced in 1992. The 10 competing teams will play each other once.

‘The format of the competition shouldn’t change anything in the way the Proteas approach the tournament. Ultimately, you want to play everybody and beat them and just get through,’ added Gibbs.

The Proteas’ World Cup squad features two frontline slow bowlers, but Gibbs isn’t convinced leg-spinner Imran Tahir and left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi will play in the same XI much, if at all.

‘If they have good sunshine and dry weather, then the two spinners can operate together. Shamsi has done okay when he’s had the chance, but so much is going to depend on the weather in England,’ he concluded.

South Africa and England will open the 2019 World Cup at The Oval in London on Thursday.

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