Batsman Kyle Verreynne views being part of the Proteas squad for the ODI series against England earlier this year as positive, despite not playing.

Verreynne was named in the squad, but wasn’t chosen for any of the XIs in the three-match series. Two weeks later, he welcomed an ODI debut during Australia’s visit.

‘Obviously being a part of the England series and not being able to play a game, a lot of people would view that as a disappointment,’ said Verreynne.

‘But I think it is one of the best things that could have happened for me, just because I got to experience the team culture and interact with all the players, experiencing what being part of the international set-up is like. I got to understand the level of intensity required.’

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The right-handed Verreynne performed well against the Australians, hitting 48 on debut in Paarl before collecting a maiden ODI half-century in Potchefstroom.

‘Having spent a few weeks with the guys, picking up those things and learning those things, when I did get the opportunity to play against Australia, I felt that much more prepared. That time during the England series really prepared me for what I encountered during the Australia series,’ he added.

‘You always want to be playing, but being in the squad and not playing during the England series was ultimately really beneficial for me.’

Verreynne was named in South Africa’s squad for March’s ODI series in India. The tour was later aborted as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

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