Publications
Partners
Durban - Rilee Rossouw's celebration when he reached 50 in the second ODI against Australia told its own story.
For most players, a half century brings a smile and a semi-raised bat directed at the spectators and change-room.
For Rossouw, it meant that he may have done enough to get another game.
Rossouw closed his eyes, breathed deep and then kissed the Proteas badge on his helmet.
He had taken his chance.
The classy left-hander wouldn't have played the first ODI in Pretoria had Hashim Amla not fallen ill with flu.
Rossouw was brought in at the top of the order, and he moved quickly to 63 off 45 in a knock that was drowned out by Quinton de Kock's majestic 178.
Then, for the second ODI, a fit-again Amla was controversially left out of the side as the Proteas selectors went for an unchanged team.
Rossouw cashed in once more, this time the aggressor at the top of the order before he slowed down to finish with 75 from 81.
The quality of shots on display from Rossouw in both of those knocks spoke volumes about the raw talent he possesses.
"Probably every time," Rossouw answered when asked if he ever feels like he is batting for his life.
"It's a tough gig. If you're not performing there is definitely a guy that can do the same job as you, if not better.
"When you put on that green and gold you want to perform for your country and do your best because you know that there is someone else who can take your spot."
The Proteas can surely not keep Amla out any longer, and Rossouw hinted on Tuesday that he could be moving down the order to accommodate Amla's return to the opening berth.
On being the guy that kept Amla out on Sunday, Rossouw said that the side does not let public outcries influence them.
"I didn't even actually know that (the public had taken issue with Amla's omission) until a couple of hours ago," Rossouw said.
"That's something that we spoke about when we had our team culture camp. That's something that's outside of our playing bubble that we can't control.
"People or the public can say what they want to say, as long as it doesn't effect how we are proceeding with our careers and our future.
