South Africa’s white-ball captain Temba Bavuma on Wednesday backed pacer Enrique Nortje to play a key role in the T20 International series. India Despite a tremendous Indian Premier League stint.
Nortje has since been out of international action. T20 World Cup due to a hip injury last year. out in express pacer IPL For Delhi Capitals after losing the first few games. However, he was far from his best.
“Enrique is a big player for us, an integral part of the bowling unit. He had to face a heavy layoff due to injury when he joined the IPL,” Bavuma said on the eve of the first T20I against India here.
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“But the more he plays, the closer he gets to the level he is capable of. He is a vital member of the team and we expect him to perform accordingly.
The last time the two sides met, hosts South Africa had won five out of six matches during the tour, including three Tests and as many ODIs earlier this year.
However, Bavuma & Co. will face a different looking, young Indian team.
“It’s an exciting series. We recently faced an Indian team but it’s a different looking team. There are many young fresher faces. People who want to prove themselves and claim positions within the Indian team want.
“They will be nothing short of an inspiration. We are not thinking that things will be the way they did in South Africa.”
With the temperature in Delhi rising above 43 degrees, the South Africa skipper admitted that dealing with the heat has been challenging for his team.
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We expected it to be hot, not that hot. Fortunately, the games are being played in the evening. At night, it is more bearable. People are trying to keep themselves hydrated. Keep yourself mentally fresh as much as possible.
“The (hardest thing) is facing the heat. It’s not something we’re used to back home. Hydration, cramps and fatigue are big things. We can only get used to it by playing this summer,” said the guest captain.
And unfortunately for us we are doing that in competitive cricket.
The Indian team has strengthened its fast bowling unit over the years and is no longer dependent on its spinners to do the job.
Asked if this changes South Africa’s preparations for the series against India, Bavuma said: The Indian bowling attack covers all the bases. They cover the fast and spin. In terms of preparation, attention has been paid not only to spin but also to the fast bowlers.
South Africa have been in town since last week, giving them a chance to familiarize themselves with the pitch. And Bavuma feels the track will help the batsmen.
We played a practice match. We played on side wickets. We were a little less than used to being back home. It didn’t really move as much as it seemed better to bat as the night went on.
The captain reiterated the Proteas’ goal of further strengthening their batting as they head towards the World Cup.
“Within our batting line-up, that (batting) is one area in which we want to get solid. Quinton and I at the top, in the middle order, the guys are pretty organized.
“Tristan Stubbs will get a chance somewhere along the line. In the games we play until the World Cup, we will give the players a chance so that we can have consistency in that batting order.”
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