Following the 49-run loss at the hands of Pakistan at iconic Lord’s on Sunday (June 23) night, South Africa altogether as a unit failed to progress deeper into the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Their World Cup campaign has come to a halt following five losses in the first seven games.
However, they managed to win a solitary match against Afghanistan with one ended up as a washout against the Windies. Thus, the dismal show has witnessed a disappointment on the face of star Proteas all-rounder, Jacques Kallis. He believes the Proteas should take inspiration from England.
Kallis calls for the change:
The legendary cricketer Kallis urged Proteas players to emulate the Three Lions to come prepared for the 2023 ICC World Cup edition. Also, the premature exit from the ODI showpiece didn’t sit well with former South African players like Graeme Smith and Allan Donald, in particular.
“South Africa need to take inspiration from England as they rebuild their team for the next World Cup,” Kallis in his exclusive column wrote for the ICC digital.
In a similar way, England has faced an exit where they also lost to Bangladesh by 15 runs at the Adelaide Oval.
The loss came after four years which already saw England crashing out of the ICC World Cup 2015 when they failed to make it to the quarter-finals. However, England has worked extremely hard under Eoin Morgan who eventually led from the front – to take his home of the top of ICC ODI.
“Four years ago, England were perhaps one of the lowest ranked teams in the world after really struggling at the World Cup in Austra
lia and New Zealand,” Kallis added.
Kallis questions Proteas ‘brand of cricket’:
The Proteas drew flak for their abysmal show during the ongoing World Cup. Meanwhile, they’re left with just two league stage games before packing for home.
Besides, Kallis has called for overhauling in the team.
“The first thing that needs to be looked at is the brand of cricket South Africa are playing. And all the players will want to be part of that conversation,’ Kallis stated.
The veteran all-rounder Kallis further maintained that they should change their perception regarding the day-long format. He added the Proteas should entirely focus on rebuilding their team for the ICC’s coveted tournaments.
Kallis reiterated the Proteas must take a cue from how England has improved. He added, they put behind their mistakes by catapulting as a top-notch ODI team.
“They used the disappointment of their performances in 2015 to rebuild their team. And, they totally changed their mentality and approach to one-day cricket. England now play without fear and aren’t afraid to make mistakes,” Kallis concluded.
The 43-year-old Kallis has himself featured in 36 World Cup matches for the Proteas. He has amassed 1148 runs at an average of 45.92. Also, with his medium pace bowling, he has bagged 21 wickets while conceding 904 runs off 1266 deliveries.
On June 28 (Friday) South Africa will take on Sri Lanka in Chester-le-Street before meeting Australia at the Old Trafford in Manchester on July 06.