COLUMN: Hope springs eternal for Proteas

• David Rush, South Coast Herald editor writes:

Cricket fans around the country are getting themselves set for a potentially agonising six weeks of World Cup Cricket.

The big event, in India, starts on October 5 and ends on November 19.

Will the Proteas be in that final? Perhaps. Would a South African bet his house on it? No. Not even a small house.

Getting to a final would be a victory in itself – it’s never been done. But before they get there (if they do) fans will most likely have to go through the wringer all over again.

Proteas’ performances in ICC tournaments have left fans shell-shocked, emotionally battered and bruised, with the result that the trust is all but gone.

There may not be enough blood pressure pills to go around if South Africa does somehow make the final. Those of a certain age have seen all the different ways the Proteas have dreamt up to exit the tournament – rain, runouts, run rate mistakes. The list goes on.

Yet still, as is the nature of the true South African sports fan, hope springs eternal. Despite all the disappointment that has gone before, and there has been much, there are die-hard fans who still believe the Proteas can win the World Cup.

Imagine it came three weeks after a Springbok World Cup win in France. (Whoa, slow down…) But everyone in their hearts knows it is possible.

Here’s the thing, though. The Proteas have a very well-balanced squad. They appear to be peaking nicely, or trending upwards as the World Cup approaches.

In Temba Bavuma they have arguably the world’s most criticised captain. Yet, he shrugs this off, makes runs, and captains the team pretty well. He is one determined cricketer and has developed serious mental toughness.

The results in 50 over cricket show. (T20 is a discussion for another day). The top six batsmen are explosive. Bavuma will most likely open with Quinton de Kock. You could say he owes South Africa, or that he is surely due to come good. Now is the time.

Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klassen, and David Miller provide a ferocious, intimidating middle order. Reeza Hendricks is a classy, elegant player who would slot in easily should one of these get injured or lose form. All can clear the boundary by a long, long way. Markram provides a very useful off-spin, a must in India.

Towering left-arm quick Marco Jansen looks increasingly settled in the number seven all-rounder role, with backup from Andile Phehlukwayo enjoying a late recall, if necessary.

Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi provide the spin options. Shamsi on his day can be a match-winner. Maharaj can bat and is a brilliant fielder, Shamsi not so much. Shamsi’s exuberant celebrations may annoy players and fans sometimes, but they can also have the effect of rallying the troops, in a sense.

Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will most likely lead the bowling attack, with thunderbolt Anrich Nortjé unfortunately out due to injury.

There is bowling backup from Gerald Coetzee, who is aggressive and possesses lively pace but doesn’t have the experience of those two previously mentioned.

Lizaad Williams has also received a late call-up, he’s a bowler who is more cunning than quick and could play a role, especially on slower wickets.

The beauty of this World Cup is that teams all play each other once, and then the top four progress to the semi-finals.

This means a stumble here or there is not necessarily costly, as when there are pool stages.

But whatever the case, the Proteas will have to play well, conquer the mental demons that everyone other than South Africans loves to label them with, and go out and defy the odds.