Share

Proteas dust off rust

Johannesburg - Former captain Johan Botha has played down dropped chances in the first game but admits there is room for improvement as South Africa look to bounce back against Australia in the second T20 International at the Wanderers on Sunday.

The tourists won the opening match of their six-week cricket tour in Cape Town on Thursday, securing a five-wicket victory with three balls to spare.

"I think we did really well to get 146 [batting first]," Botha said.

"Our fielding in general was very good, though there were one or two sharp chances we missed, and I think we bowled really well to get as close as we did.

"If we can take those small chances, we'll perform even better."

Shane Watson, who went on to anchor Australia's innings with a 52-run contribution, was put down by Graeme Smith in the slips when he was on two.

Botha also wasted two opportunities, dropping Cameron White in the 16th over and David Hussey in the 18th.

Middle-order batsman JP Duminy, who led a recovery after South Africa lost two early wickets in their innings, admitted they were a little rusty in their first match in six months.

"We were always going to be a bit rough around the edges in our first game out," Duminy said.

"I think we can improve in all departments -- fielding, batting and bowling -- but I think there are a lot of positives we can take out of the game as well."

Duminy top scored for the hosts with 67 runs before he was removed by 18-year-old Patrick Cummins, who returned 3/25 to spearhead Australia's attack, but he believed the Proteas could handle the speedster at the Wanderers.

"I had faced him [Cummins] in the Champions League before, and he's got talent and pace," Duminy said.

"He's a tough customer to face, but I think we've got the batsmen to overcome that."

The Proteas have lost only one of their last seven T20 matches at the Wanderers, and have defeated Australia in both previous games they have played at the Bullring.

Botha said they would look to hit back at their happy hunting ground in an effort to build momentum heading into a three-match ODI series.

"We used to play our first game of a series at the Wanderers, and the guys have been quite successful here," Botha said.

"Hopefully we can have similar success and get back to winning ways."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE