Cricket

No World Cup warm-up: Proteas not taking West Indies series lightly

They SA group are keen to construct some confidence and create a profitable mindset.

They will have already got one eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup, however Proteas batting coach JP Duminy insists the nationwide cricket group are solely focussed on their series in opposition to West Indies subsequent week, earlier than they will flip their full consideration in direction of their world title aspirations.

The SA group will face World Cup co-hosts West Indies in a three-match T20 series on the eve of the worldwide spectacle.

Quick turnaround

With their final recreation in opposition to West Indies being performed simply eight days earlier than their World Cup opener in opposition to Sri Lanka in New York on 3 June, there’s a brief turnaround between the 2 campaigns.

Duminy, nevertheless, mentioned they have been not taking subsequent week’s series lightly, and it was not being thought of a warm-up. They have been additionally keen to construct some confidence and a profitable mindset forward of the World Cup.

Batting coach JP Duminy throughout a Proteas coaching session. Picture: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

“We’ve spoken as the support staff to make sure the focus is where it needs to be, which is the West Indies tour,” Duminy mentioned.

“Yes, there are vital issues to comply with, however actually it’s about recreation one in Jamaica in opposition to West Indies, and the way can we rock up and ensure we’re clear on what we wish to do, how we wish to play, and put in an enormous efficiency.

“That’s clearly the intention and the language within the group.”

Second-string squad

Only 5 of the 15 gamers lately introduced within the T20 World Cup squad have been included within the provisional 12-man squad for the West Indies tour, with most first-choice gamers having commitments within the Indian Premier League (IPL) match which ends subsequent week.

With some gamers anticipated to be launched forward of the IPL playoffs, the SA squad must be bolstered earlier than they end up in opposition to the Windies.

In the absence of the IPL stars this week, nevertheless, a largely second-string Proteas squad have been left to commit themselves to the nationwide activity at a coaching camp in Pretoria.

“It’s really about trying to identify and make clear on our blueprint and what we’re trying to achieve going into the series against West Indies,” Duminy mentioned.

“We’re really trying to create connections as well… not just on-field but also off-field, determining how we support one another and create those bonds which are hopefully going to impact our collective performance.”

South Africa face West Indies in T20 matches on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday subsequent week. All three video games will likely be performed in Kingston.


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