Proteas
Van Wyk ready for World Cup
2011-01-24 22:20
Eduan
Roos
Johannesburg – The class
tests are over. Now it’s the final examination for the South African cricket
team.
And, in spite of an
unconvincing series win over India, Morné van Wyk believes that
the Proteas can hardly be better prepared for their World Cup
test.
The 31-year-old
wicketkeeper was one of the home team’s batting heroes in their win by 33 runs
over the visitors in the decisive match at Centurion.
Thanks to Van Wyk’s
innings of 56 runs, and Hashim Amla’s magnificent 116 not out, the South Africans were
able to survive a Yusuf Pathan-blitzkrieg and win the series
3-2.
“The victory definitely
boosted our confidence, but even if we lost, it would not have been the end of
our Cup chances,” Van Wyk told Sport24 on Monday.
“It’s better that we had
to struggle rather than win the series 4-1 or 5-0, because in that way we have
been forced to find answers to some tough questions.”
However, the playing
field will be level when the 14 contenders start their onslaught on cricket’s
world crown on the sub-continent next month.
“The tournament is
something completely different and each of the teams starts on an equal footing,
irrespective of their recent results,” said Van Wyk.
He made his debut as
long ago as 2003, but has only worn the Green and Gold seven times
since.
“It was nice to make the
team, but now the most important thing for each player is to make big
contributions, because all 15 guys will have to give it their all for us to bring
the World Cup home,” he said.
He realises that he is
set to lose his place in the Proteas’ XI when Jacques Kallis returns from injury
shortly.
“Jacques is the kind of
player that no team can afford to leave out,” he said.
“Of course I don’t wish
injury or poor form on any of my team-mates, but it’s a long tournament and
anything is possible.”
And then he will be
ready to grab his opportunity.
“I don’t care where I
have to walk out in the batting order, and whether I have to stand behind the
wickets or in the field,” said Van Wyk.
“I have even started
working on my bowling again – just in case the team may need me in that
role.”