Warriors coach Robin Peterson says the Proteas can’t win the T20 World Cup without Anrich Nortje.
The fast bowler had a disappointing white-ball tour of India, taking just one wicket across four matches with an economy rate of nine per over (12.2 across the two T20Is).
However, Peterson isn’t concerned about those stats.
“Sure, you’re always going to get measured on what the data reveals around your game, but he’s a fast bowler that bowls at 150km/h and those players are very rare,” Peterson told News24 Sport.
“Yes, economy rate is important in T20s, but what’s Anrich’s role? It’s to take wickets. We’ve seen the game move from economy being all-important to certain bowlers being allowed to leak more runs, provided that it means they regularly get batters out.
“Wicket-takers are ultimately the players that swing games in their team’s favour. Anrich is not a container, he’s a strike bowler and he’s shown in the past that’s his strength.
“Obviously, the struggles in India can affect your confidence a little, but Anrich’s never really been that type of guy. He always just gets on with the work, he’s actually quite relaxed,” added Peterson.
“Once he has a clear role in Australia what is required of him, we’ll probably see the best of him at the tournament at some stage. He’ll have to play a role if we’re going to win this thing.”
South Africa will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against a qualifying team in Hobart on 24 October.
