Dale Steyn doubts game time for Proteas newcomers Jason Smith and Kwena Maphaka at T20 World Cup
Dale Steyn predicts limited game time for Proteas newcomers Jason Smith and Kwena Maphaka at the T20 World Cup, highlighting the importance of experienced players in high-pressure situations. Picture: Arjun Singh / Sportzpics for SA20
Image: Arjun Singh / Sportzpics for SA20
With exactly a month to go to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Proteas legend Dale Steyn has suggested that new inclusions Jason Smith and Kwena Maphaka won’t get much game time.
Earlier this week, it emerged that Steyn felt Ottniel Baartman was unlucky to miss out on selection for the Proteas squad for the event.
The squad was announced last week, with Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Kwena Maphaka the men selected as the pace bowlers in the squad. It’s likely that the Proteas went for Maphaka instead of Baartman.
At 19, the left-arm quick Maphaka is the youngest in the squad, while batsman Jason Smith is no youngster at 31, but both are part of a group of seven players for South Africa who have not appeared at a World Cup before.
Steyn gives insight on Proteas starting XI
“The starting XI would be fairly standard. But there are talks of players missing out like [Tristan] Stubbs and [Ryan] Rickelton, and inclusions like Jason Smith, Tony de Zorzi to an extent, and Kwena Maphaka,” Steyn told SportsBoom.co.za.
“I doubt Smith or Maphaka will play. De Zorzi might bat at three, which is fine; at least he’s been there and done that, especially after touring India recently, although he is currently injured.
“It is a good squad; you have your obvious players there,” he added.
The lack of experience in almost half the squad might be a problem, explained the former fast bowler.
“When you go to a World Cup, you want senior, battle-hardened players who are familiar with the occasion,” he explained.
“There’s a big difference between playing domestic cricket in front of a few hundred people and facing a Jasprit Bumrah with 100,000 fans screaming against you.”