Port Elizabeth – IF one didn’t know any better, you’d think the series scoreline was 3-0 to the West Indies and not South Africa.
Certainly, local autograph hunters who arrived at St George’s Park here expecting to see the Windies going through their paces were bemused.
Their morning practice was cancelled, and that, really, was that. No explanation, no media engagements, and no evidence to suggest the last two matches in this series mean any more than the previous three.
For the Proteas, meanwhile, it was back to business as they readied themselves for tomorrow’s fourth One-Day International here.
However, if they had taken another day golfing, and beaching and chilling, no one would have batted an eyelid.
But, with this series secured, they have one eye on what lies ahead.
“I think I’m at the stage now where I’m beyond excited about the World Cup,” senior player JP Duminy explained.
“We are not a team to say a lot of things before an event, but we know we have the ability as a squad to go all the way. I can’t wait to get there.”
Duminy is regarded as one of the main manne in the Proteas squad, both for his ability on the field as well as his easy-going demeanour off it. But when he looks forward to next month and the possibility of what may happen, he’s back to being like a kid at Christmas – beaming with expectant pride.
“This is an exciting time for all of us. we have a lot of responsibility, and understand that big performances are needed from us. We have a good mix, with some real experience, and also some guys who are going to their first World Cup.”
Looking at his role within the team, with bat and ball, he welcomed his responsibilities. He’s had to adapt a few times, going from No3 in Sri Lanka 18 months ago to being back in the middle-order, the engine room that coach Russell Domingo has identified as crucial to success.
“Look, I am always happy to do what is best for the team, so I am happy to be in that middle-order, coming in after David (Miller) and AB (de Villiers).”
Duminy, with his accurate off-spin, also looks likely to take a frontline role with the ball, sometimes operating as a first change option, particularly on the slower pitches in New Zealand.
“If you look at the make-up of our attack, with three seamers, plus ‘Fudge’ as the fourth seamer, then I will have to take the ball early on. It’s a good challenge for me, but I look forward to getting into the game early,” he explained.
Duminy, like many of the South African batsmen at practice yesterday, had an extended hit, and took advantage of the middle practice, which saw bowlers Kyle Abbott, Wayne Parnell and Vernon Philander charge in, and the batsmen looked to hit them out the park.
The handful of ticket hopefuls and afternoon strollers who popped in hoping to catch a net session were given a treat, as skipper AB de Villiers did his best to hit a few balls into the adjoining Greenwood Primary School, over the bowler’s head, and beyond the roof of the media centre.
Having entertained the mini-gallery, De Villiers then took part in the side’s “Reach For A Dream” initiative, handing out some gifts to one lucky youngster. The smile on the boy’s face was as wide as the chasm between the Proteas and the Windies in this series.
But, as the Proteas and their fans have realised, this series, against a team that has taken in the sights of South Africa but hardly made a sound, can hardly be used as an accurate yardstick.
In a few weeks, South Africa will be reaching for dreams of their own.
Then they will know where they stand. - Pretoria News