Discard Reeza Hendricks is acutely aware that South Africa need stronger performances from the batsmen and bowlers if a disappointing start to the World Cup in the United Kingdom is to be rectified.
The Proteas suffered defeats to England and Bangladesh at The Oval in London last week – and will play India at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.
‘Our execution has not been spot on, and it’s something we need to improve. It is not an ideal start for us. We need the batsmen to step up. We need the senior batsmen to kick on and get a few centuries,’ said Hendricks, who was overlooked for the World Cup squad, on SuperSport’s Inside Edge on Tuesday.
‘Those sorts of innings will set you up for big totals – and they’ll allow you to chase down big totals. On a bowling front, we need the big players like Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir to take four to five wickets.’
All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo has become central to a Proteas seam attack having to manage the absences of fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Dale Steyn. A hurt hamstring has sidelined Ngidi from the encounter with India – and an injured shoulder has ruled Steyn out of the entire tournament.
‘Andile is that guy. When the team is under pressure, he wants the ball. He wants to show up and take those wickets. The same with the bat – he strives for those situations in which he can deliver under pressure. He is obviously improving in those game situations, too, and can only learn and get better for it,’ added Hendricks.
Seamer Beuran Hendricks, meanwhile, has been added to the squad as a replacement for Steyn. Hendricks won’t arrive in the United Kingdom in time for the match with India, but will be available to play against the West Indies next week.
‘Beuran did well for us, the Lions, in all competitions. He is going into the World Cup with a bit of confidence. I think he is going to be really good. I definitely back him as a player. He brings variety to the attack, as well as a left-arm seamer. That will add to South Africa’s repertoire,’ concluded Hendricks.
Photo: Gallo Images
