Proteas hoping gutsy new approach will carry them to World Cup title

Though it is a largely established squad of experienced players who will represent the country at the six-week showpiece, a new-look approach will be used to carry the nation’s hopes at the Cricket World Cup starting in India this week.

Under head coach Rob Walter, the national 50-over side have been given the freedom to play, which has resulted in them taking a more aggressive, make-or-break approach to the game.

This new style is risky, but for a country that should have won at least one World Cup title and has never achieved the feat, perhaps it’s what will be required for them to finally go all the way and lift the trophy.

Finding a balance will be key, however, and captain Temba Bavuma admitted in the build-up to the tournament that they needed to be consistent throughout the showpiece.

“The first couple of games will obviously be important in terms of us getting that momentum, but in terms of us really getting that cohesion, synergy and flow happening within our team, I believe once we are able to do that, then anything can happen for this team,” the skipper said.

“We need to find ourselves in a space where we can play good cricket for the whole tournament.”

Ready to go

Returning from a five-month hiatus from the international game, the Proteas were wobbly during their recent home tour against Australia, but after losing the T20 series 3-0, they went on to fight back from 2-0 down to win the ODI series 3-2.

Having shaken off any potential rust, Walter was confident his team would be ready to hit their straps in their first World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Delhi on Saturday.

“We had good camps in the winter, we trained really hard, but nothing matches the pressure and competition you face against good quality sides,” Walter said.

“So from that point of view I’m happy. In all departments we have certainly made progress and improved.”

South Africa will face all nine of the other teams in the opening round of the World Cup, as they compete for one of four available spots in the semifinals.

The tournament final will be played in Ahmedabad on 19 November.