Wednesday’s unbeaten half-century in the Lions’ CSA T20 Challenge semi-final victory was a timely reminder of the value Rassie van der Dussen will likely bring to the Proteas XI during the 2019 World Cup in the United Kingdom.
Wednesday’s unbeaten half-century in the Lions’ CSA T20 Challenge semi-final victory was a timely reminder of the value Rassie van der Dussen will likely bring to the Proteas XI during the 2019 World Cup in the United Kingdom.
Granted, the 69 not out was gathered against a rather uninspired Dolphins bowling attack in front of a Kingsmead crowd with little to no expectation. But the theme and stature of van der Dussen’s dominance will again need evidencing in England and Wales from 30 May onward, when opposition will be stronger, conditions tougher and judgment harder.
Now is the time for Proteas fans to look past Hashim Amla’s inclusion and Reeza Hendricks’ exclusion – and focus on the bankable resources. Amla might not score enough runs in the tournament, while Hendricks remains a solid option for next year’s T20 World Cup, but this month won’t see van der Dussen overshadowed by the rest.
His emergence is entirely reassuring amid a batting department negotiating and navigating Amla’s uncertain future, JP Duminy’s return from injury and indifferent form – and even AB de Villiers’ international retirement last year. The pressure to succeed at a global event that has traditionally yielded premature exits for the Proteas is not lost on van der Dussen, whose rise to prominence has been occasioned by heartening timing. Eight ODI innings since January’s debut have brought over 350 runs at an average of more than 88.
The aggregate is inflated by less than four months in international cricket, yes, but this is a man for all occasions – and not about to be dismissed by premature critics. His ODI statistics will temper soon enough, but a List A average gathered across nearly 100 appearances bodes well for sustainability and longevity.
Debate around the Proteas’ batting order is oft-cliched, but there is genuine substance in van der Dussen’s flexibility. Positions three and four are, admittedly, too high for JP Duminy and David Miller, while van der Dussen can occupy either of those or five.
His position will largely be governed by scenario and circumstance during the match, but with Faf du Plessis honing in on three, subject to Aiden Markram’s presence selection as an opener rather than in the middle order, the demand for van der Dussen to maintain that positional flexibility and circumstantial adaptability is key.Ultimately, though, conjecture about presence in the XI or position in the order is dwarfed by the decision to name the 30-year-old van der Dussen in the squad.
The wait was long, but the arrival time on cue.
Photo: Gallo Images
