Johannesburg – Lonwabo Tsotsobe is prepared to put in the hard-yards for the Lions while hoping his name will be in the hat for a much-coveted spot in the Proteas World Cup squad.
The tall left-armer, who underwent ankle surgery in April, has spearheaded the Lions bowling attack this season and feels he is almost back to full fitness with just over four months left before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“I've been out for four months which is quite a long time,” Tsotsobe said in Johannesburg at the launch of cricket's #ProteaFire marketing campaign.
“It's difficult to get back into the Protea side because there's a lot of competition. But competition is healthy and I'm getting my confidence back.”
Although the Lions lost their four-day match against the Knights in Potchefstroom on Sunday, the Highveld side dominated large parts of the game and Tsotsobe took 3/57 in the first innings to help his team gain temporary control of the contest.
“It's a flat wicket in Potch and we performed very well under pressure,” he said.
“I'm getting there, I think I'm 100 percent. I still need to bowl a couple of overs just to make sure I'm on the right path.”
Tsotsobe avoided putting pressure on himself or declaring any clear intention of making the World Cup squad.
“This game is a funny game. You can have one good, one bad game. You could have a great series, and it's about checking the small things.
“You can never take anything for granted. I don't think my focus right now is on going to the World Cup. My focus is on playing for the Lions. If I produce the results, the selectors will reward good performances.” – Sapa