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'Hungry' Linde to keep knocking on Proteas door

Proteas all-rounder George Linde hopes his recent good form will earn him a call-up - and some game time - to the national side.

Last week, Linde was named the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) MVP after a stellar 2019/20 season.

He had a superb campaign in the 4-Day Franchise Series for the Cape Cobras, scoring two centuries while also claiming 30 wickets in the six matches.

The 28-year-old made his Proteas debut last year in the third Test against India in Ranchi.

Linde was the pick of the South African bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/133 as the Proteas lost by an innings and 202 runs.

He was not considered for the four-match Test series against England earlier this summer, but was set to make his ODI debut in India before the series was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Linde, who was also named Cape Cobras' Player of the Year, stated that although he has a lot of competition, he is eager to play in all three formats for the Proteas.

"I've been in the T20 and one-day squad and I haven't had a game yet," Linde told reporters via a video conference.

"I know it's going to be tough as there's a lot of competition, but if I can keep doing well and knocking on the door then they almost have to give me a chance. I want to try and get in all three squads."

Linde revealed that he is eager to play in his first Cricket World Cup for the Proteas in 2023, which will be held in India.

"I want to be the best all-rounder in the world and I know it's not going to be easy," he said.

"I need to deliver more consistent performances, like I did in the four-day competition, now just to do it in the one-day and T20 formats... I know I'm hungry enough and have the potential to do that.

"There's a World Cup in 2023 in India and obviously I'm looking to make that squad and be one of the first names to go down on that team list."

- Compiled by Lynn Butler

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