THE Springboks have become a symbol of success and an inspiration for other South African national teams across different sporting codes for them to start producing positive results.
The Proteas seemed to be following the same trajectory when they bulldozed their way to the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Earlier this year, South Africa broke the shackles that have kept the country hostage for as long as Cricket World Cups have been in existence as the T20I team played the country’s first-ever Men’s ICC World Cup final in the Caribbean.
However, after that historic achievement in Barbados over the winter, the team has tasted victory sparingly. Since then, the white ball teams have won only two out of eight matches, including a historic series loss against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
Mostly, the reason behind the losses has been the decision to start giving fringe players opportunities while resting the majority of the main Proteas players.
However, ODI captain Temba Bavuma reckons it was a necessary move because the main players are probably at the twilight of their careers.
“Look, we have to be sensitive to where the team is at. We have a lot of older guys within the team who in two to three years time you may not see,” Bavuma explained.
“So, you need to make sure that when that happens you’ve got guys who at least have gotten a taste of international cricket and who will be better positioned to fit into those guys’ shoes,” he added.
While the Proteas continue with their next-generation-themed project, the Springboks have continued their winning ways as they added the Rugby Championship trophy to their already sparkling cabinet.
As a result, the support that Siya Kolisi and his team receive continues to grow, not only here at home in South Africa but also globally.
Bavuma emphasised that the Proteas need to start winning again to get closer to the impact that the Springboks have in the country.
“When I was back home, I was watching the Springboks. It’s almost like the whole world stops when the Springboks are playing and that’s obviously because the guys are winning and everyone is behind the team,” said Bavuma.
Bavuma told the media that the Ireland ODI series that starts today will be the last that will be dedicated to giving players opportunities as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is right around the corner.
The skipper wants the team to use this ODI series to strike a better balance in winning games of cricket and increasing player depth.
“For me personally, results are important. As much as you are trying to increase the player depth, give players worthy opportunities, you must have the results to back that up. At no point are we trying to compromise that, that's still important,” said Bavuma.
“This is probably the last series where the theme will be about increasing playing depth. I guess it’s one more chance for younger guys to put up their hands and show that they can strongly be part of the team,” he added.
Though the Proteas ODI team is coming from an ODI series defeat to Afghanistan in Sharjah, they will take comfort in knowing that they will not face spin-friendly conditions in Abu Dhabi where the three-match Ireland series will take place.
The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi tends to offer more pace, and bounce and has a decent covering of green grass which is similar to South African conditions.