Port Elizabeth – The Proteas, having secured the five-match ODI series against the West Indies, enjoyed a day off yesterday ahead of Sunday’s fourth match at St George’s Park.
Both teams opted to drive from East London instead of flying. But, while the Windies used the three-hour trip as a chance for contemplation, the Proteas had other kinds of drives on their minds.
Some, like skipper AB de Villiers, tackled the links at Humewood, a former host of the SA Open, and a stiff challenge with the notorious wind up. Indeed, De Villiers may have even broken his first sweat in weeks.
Others, like opener Hashim Amla, have been sent away for a few days. It seems that is the only way the middle-order may get a look at the crease. “We’re sending Hash home for a few days, to rest up before the final game,” a jovial Russell Domingo said.
Domingo has had to juggle things around over the last week, trying desperately to give his players a fair crack in the middle, but a combination of their ruthlessness and the West Indian lack of resistance has seen players such as JP Duminy short of time in the middle.
“I promise you, he was next in after Faf (on Wednesday)!,” he said quickly, when asked if he was disappointed if his all-rounder has hardly had a bat in this series.
Duminy has watched on as the likes of Amla, De Villiers and Rilee Rossouw have all collected centuries during the first three ODIs. He will hope to get a chance on Sunday, and Domingo confirmed that there would be a few changes to the personnel.
“I think it’s almost certain that AB won’t keep in the next two games. Quinny (Quiton de Kock) is joining us (today), and depending on the medical team’s assessment of his progress, he might play in the last game at Centurion,” Domingo revealed.
“But I’m almost certain that we will give Morné (van Wyk) a run just to give AB a break. With the series won, we will also look to give the other guys in the squad a chance to stake a claim.”
De Kock, who has cemented his place at the top of the order, will be itching to get going soon having finally recovered from ligament damage suffered during the first Test in December.
Despite his tender years, De Kock gives the South Africans an exciting dimension at the top of the order, and his keeping allows De Villiers to frolic in the outfield. Domingo also confirmed that De Villiers would be rested for the final game at his home ground Centurion, next Wednesday.
“We just want to give him a break before we head to the World Cup,” the coach explained. The same may be done with pace star Dale Steyn.
While the Proteas play golf, enjoy short breaks, or chill by the pool, the Windies are having their latest batch of team meetings, desperate to stop their tour from slipping into further turmoil.
The captain, Jason Holder, has demanded a reaction after seeing his side rolled over for 122 on Wednesday, and they will put in some proper shifts in the nets ahead of Sunday’s game.
“It’s all about pride,” Holder maintained. - The Star