Van der Dussen says Proteas have grown closer through adversity

Top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen says the Proteas team have grown closer together due to the adversity they have dealt with over the last few years, as they gear up for one of their toughest matches of the Cricket World Cup against New Zealand on Wednesday.

From social and political issues faced by all South Africans, to global health concerns raised by Covid, and internal cricket matters addressed by the social justice and nation building (SJN) hearings, Van der Dussen admitted on Tuesday the national squad had dealt with a lot on the sidelines in the long-term build-up to the global showpiece.

‘In good stead’

These off-field matters, however, had only made them stronger as a unit in search of their maiden World Cup title.

“I think there’s definitely something different in this team… and I think we’re blessed in a sense that we’re in a great space now,” Van der Dussen said.

“We’ve had to deal with quite a lot of controversy over the last few years, so that’s really put us in good stead.”

Praising the national rugby side for their victory in the World Cup final in France at the weekend, Van der Dussen felt the Springboks had strengthened that sense of unity even further within the Proteas squad, as it had done throughout South Africa.

“I think what the Springboks and what sport shows us is that as a country, as South Africa, when you do get things right and you do things the right way, what you can achieve,” he said.

“That Springbok team, that’s what they are. They’re all hardworking, good South Africans with a real humility about them, a real hunger for success. And for me, it just certainly shows that when you’re willing to put differences aside, what’s possible for a country like ours.”

Playoff contenders

With their spirits raised by the Boks, the second-placed Proteas were feeling confident heading into their match against New Zealand, who were two points behind them in third spot in the round-robin standings.

They were hoping to build even further momentum in the race for the semi-finals, with only three matches left in the opening round.

“As we hopefully go into the business end of the tournament now, you want to really be at 100%, and I think most of our guys are in a pretty good space,” Van der Dussen said.

Wednesday’s match between the Proteas and the Black Caps starts at 10.30am (SA time) in Pune.