Perth: Anrich Nortje said South African players' experience in the IPL and playing T20I series against India recently will stand them in good stead in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
Nortje said those experiences gave almost all the South African cricketers invaluable game time ahead of the World Cup.
Not an ideal finish
“Yeah, obviously, we ended up with teary eyes in India, which was probably not ideal, but we were still playing cricket, most of us. There were two or three guys who weren't playing, which wasn't ideal, but most of us were playing still,” said Nortje on the eve of the Group 2 match against India here at the Optus Stadium.
“So I think the fact that we were playing cricket helped us a lot going into Australia. It would have been nice to probably have that extra week like India did when they came just to assess conditions a bit.
“But I do think most of our guys are also used to the conditions in Australia. We come from South Africa. It's mostly difficult batting conditions. Lots of bounce at some of the stadiums. So we are sort of used to the conditions, and as bowlers, we've obviously played in it as well.
“I think just the cricketing part, it was nice to play cricket leading up to the World Cup like most teams have done. Everyone has been playing T20 cricket. We played a few ODIs. Maybe we can see it in a positive light as well that we may be bowled a little more than some other guys. Maybe we've been batting longer than some other guys.
“Just to get that time in the middle which could be a positive thing. I think so far it's been really good. Guys have been in great form. Guys that haven't been playing, they're batting unbelievably well in the net. Sort of backing anyone, whoever comes in, whoever goes out. Really backing everyone to perform on the day,” Nortje ended his extensive reply.
Nortje confident
Nortje thought aloud that this SA team can lift an ICC World Cup after several years of disappointment.
“I think it's a really good team. The guys have been together for such a long time. Everyone knows sort of where they fit in. One or two guys that come in, and they sort of fit into the roles that's maybe open or that can help the team give something different.
“But I think all in all everyone sort of understands where everyone fits in and just what to do on the day and in certain situations. So it's just effective that we've been playing for such a long time and guys have been gelling really well.
“We definitely think that the last two seasons have been a great team, and hopefully we can win the Cup this season,” he added.
