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South Africa's Balancing Act: Walter Explains Bilateral Struggles

South Africa's Balancing Act: Walter Explains Bilateral Struggles

South Africa's white-ball coach Rob Walter has acknowledged the team's recent struggles in bilateral T20I series, but emphasized the importance of balancing the need to field the best XI with exposing younger players to top-level competition.In the recently concluded series against India, South Africa's bowling attack, which lacked the experience of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi, conceded over 200 runs three times in four matches. Walter explained that this was a consequence of trying to deepen the player pool."To grow the net of players, there's times we have to play younger guys even in big series against good teams. And ultimately, that's where they're going to learn the most," Walter said.However, Walter acknowledged that the team's performance was not acceptable. "It's really a balancing act and there's no right or wrong. We're trying to get it right, we're trying to get rest right, we're trying to get rotation right, we're trying to get exposure right all at the same time. But it doesn't excuse the performance. We still need to be better and that starts with me as the head coach of the team."Walter also highlighted the discrepancy between South Africa's bilateral form and their success in major tournaments, such as the T20 World Cup. "The easy answer is that when we go to the world tournaments, we're picking our very best 15 players but we can't pick those same 15 players every single time we play. It's just not feasible. It's just too much cricket."Walter recognized the depth of India's squad, which allowed them to field a strong team even in the absence of key players. "Their fringe players are stepping up and creating pressure on the guys that are in main XI," he said.Walter also addressed the issue of players opting out of central contracts to play in franchise leagues. "A guy like Anrich, I certainly wouldn't doubt his want to play for South Africa and his commitment to do that. But he made a decision personally around contracting so that he could move away from playing Test cricket for a while. I think physically he was finding it a bit tough to do everything and I respect that," Walter said."At the end of the day, when it comes to the world tournaments, we want to pick our best side. And if he is one of those best players, we consider him. Shammo has done exactly the same thing. We need to be cognisant of what's happening in world cricket. It's not easy and the national side is competing with franchise cricket. The money lies in franchise cricket, not international cricket. That's the reality that we live in."Walter concluded by emphasizing the ongoing balancing act between fielding the best team and developing younger players. "And so, again, the balancing act continues."

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Ngidi Ruled Out, Bavuma Doubtful for South Africa's Home Summer

Ngidi Ruled Out, Bavuma Doubtful for South Africa's Home Summer

South Africa's fast-bowling spearhead Lungi Ngidi has been sidelined for an extended period due to a groin injury, ruling him out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka and the all-format tour of Pakistan. The setback is a significant blow to the Proteas, who are set to embark on a crucial home summer.Ngidi's injury was detected during a medical assessment as part of his structured conditioning program. Scans revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy, a condition that affects the tendons in the groin area. The 26-year-old will now undergo a rehabilitation program and is expected to return to action in January.Meanwhile, South Africa's Test captain Temba Bavuma remains a doubt for the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on November 27 in Durban. Bavuma has been recovering from a left elbow injury sustained during the ODI series against Ireland last month. He will undergo a fitness test on November 18 to determine his availability.If Bavuma is unable to play, Aiden Markram will lead the Proteas. However, Markram's recent form has been underwhelming, with the batter failing to score more than 33 in his last six Test innings. Ryan Rickelton, who played in the Tests against Bangladesh, could retain Bavuma's spot in the batting order.Bavuma's injury is a concern for South Africa, who are aiming to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Proteas need to win all four home Tests to secure their spot at Lord's, but three wins and other favorable results could also get them there.South Africa's Test schedule for the home summer is as follows:* 1st Test vs. Sri Lanka: November 27-December 1, Durban* 2nd Test vs. Sri Lanka: December 6-10, Centurion* 1st Test vs. Pakistan: December 26-30, Centurion* 2nd Test vs. Pakistan: January 3-7, Johannesburg* 3rd Test vs. Pakistan: January 11-15, Rawalpindi

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South Africa Cricketers Demand More Matches to Boost Competitiveness

South Africa Cricketers Demand More Matches to Boost Competitiveness

South Africa's cricketers are yearning for more bilateral series matches to enhance their competitiveness and momentum as a national team, according to middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen expressed his frustration with the limited number of matches South Africa plays, stating that it hinders their development and ability to challenge top teams."We don't play five-match series anymore," Klaasen said. "It's disappointing, and it doesn't sit well with the players. We want to play more cricket against these guys and other countries, but we always find a way to just play two or three games."Klaasen's concerns extend beyond the T20 format. He believes that South Africa's Test team is also suffering from a lack of match practice, with the recent two-Test series against Australia being a prime example. "It's ridiculous in my eyes," he said. "We want to play more cricket against these guys."Klaasen's comments highlight the challenges facing South African cricket. The team has not won a bilateral series in two years and has struggled to maintain consistency in all formats. The lack of match practice has contributed to this decline, as players have limited opportunities to develop their skills and build momentum.In contrast, teams like India have been able to maintain a high level of performance due to their extensive match schedule. India has played three five-match T20I series since August last year and has a busy Test schedule in the coming months. This allows their players to gain valuable experience and maintain their form.Klaasen believes that South Africa could benefit from a similar approach. He suggests that the team could split its squads to compete in multiple formats simultaneously, as England and India have done. However, this would require a significant increase in the number of matches played, which may not be feasible given the current financial constraints.Despite the challenges, Klaasen remains optimistic about South Africa's future. He believes that the team has the potential to be competitive if they are given the opportunity to play more matches. "We want to play more cricket against these guys, and against the other countries as well," he said. "We just need to find a way to make it happen."

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South Africa Rest Kapp, Khaka for England T20Is, Expand Player Pool

South Africa Rest Kapp, Khaka for England T20Is, Expand Player Pool

South Africa's women's cricket team is set to host England in a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series, with the aim of expanding their player pool and building on their performance at the recent T20 World Cup.For the T20I series, South Africa have rested experienced players Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka to give opportunities to other players. Medium-pacer Eliz-Mari Marx, who was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the CSA Women's Pro20 series, and allrounder Nondumiso Shangase have been recalled to the squad.Wicketkeeper-batter Mieke de Ridder and Seshnie Naidu have also been omitted from the T20I squad. De Ridder has been replaced by Faye Tunnicliffe, while Naidu is completing her final school exams and will then prepare for the Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia in January.The T20I squad includes three players currently playing in the WBBL: captain Laura Wolvaardt, allrounder Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon. Bowlers Ayanda Hlubi and Tumi Sekhukhune, who were part of the T20 World Cup squad but did not play a game, may get an opportunity at home, where conditions are expected to suit them better.Interim coach Dillon du Preez said he hopes the team can build on their performance at the T20 World Cup, where they reached a second successive final. "We would like to have the same approach that we did in the last T20 World Cup. Although the next T20 World Cup is in two years' time, we would still like to grow as a team and continue to work on our T20 playing philosophy," du Preez said.For the ODI series, South Africa have added additional resources to the squad, including batter Lara Goodall and experienced seamer Masabata Klaas. Hlubi is also in line for an ODI debut. The matches are part of the Women's Championship, which forms the qualification pathway for next year's ODI World Cup in India.South Africa are currently in fourth place in the Women's Championship, with 23 points, five behind Australia and England. The top five teams along with hosts India will automatically advance to the event, which means Australia and England have already qualified. South Africa have also gone through, even if they are overtaken by Bangladesh or West Indies, both of whom have six matches left to play (including three against each other).The tour also includes a one-off Test in Bloemfontein from December 15 to 18, for which South Africa will name the squad at a later date. The T20 games are on November 24, 27, and 30, followed by the ODIs on December 4, 8, and 11.

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India's T20I XI Faces Potential Changes for Gqeberha Match

India's T20I XI Faces Potential Changes for Gqeberha Match

India's upcoming T20I match against South Africa in Gqeberha has sparked speculation about potential changes to the playing XI. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra suggests that leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi may be dropped in favor of a two-spinner strategy.Chopra believes that Axar Patel's all-round abilities and Varun Chakaravarthy's recent performances make them indispensable. Chakaravarthy's ability to take key wickets, as evidenced in the first match, gives him an edge over Bishnoi.If India opts for two spinners, Chopra predicts that Chakaravarthy and Patel will be the chosen duo. However, the Gqeberha surface may favor a seam-bowling option, potentially opening the door for all-rounder Ramandeep Singh to make his debut.India's squad for the match includes:* Suryakumar Yadav (c)* Abhishek Sharma* Sanju Samson (wk)* Rinku Singh* Tilak Varma* Jitesh Sharma (wk)* Hardik Pandya* Axar Patel* Ramandeep Singh* Varun Chakravarthy* Ravi Bishnoi* Arshdeep Singh* Vijaykumar Vyshak* Avesh Khan* Yash Dayal

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Bavuma Ruled Out of Second Bangladesh Test Due to Elbow Injury

Bavuma Ruled Out of Second Bangladesh Test Due to Elbow Injury

Temba Bavuma's elbow injury has ruled him out of the second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence next Tuesday. Aiden Markram will assume the captaincy in his absence, with the expectation that Bavuma will be available for the upcoming home Tests against Sri Lanka.South Africa's Test coach, Shukri Conrad, confirmed the decision in Dhaka, stating that Bavuma's recovery has not progressed sufficiently for him to participate in the second Test. The rehabilitation program will be adjusted to ensure his readiness for the Sri Lankan series.It remains uncertain whether Bavuma will remain with the squad in Bangladesh or return home to continue his recovery and participate in domestic red-ball cricket. The first-class competition commences next week, and Bavuma's team, the Lions, will play three matches before the first Test against Sri Lanka.Conrad expressed his preference for Bavuma to stay with the squad, acknowledging his valuable role and the fact that it is still his team. However, he understands Bavuma's family responsibilities and will respect his decision.Bavuma sustained the injury earlier this month during an ODI against Ireland, falling awkwardly while completing a run. He retired hurt on 35 and was unable to field. The injury affects the same elbow that Bavuma injured in 2022 during a T20 tour of India, which subsequently ruled him out of South Africa's tour of England later that year.In Bavuma's absence, Matthew Breetzke, who made his debut in the Mirpur Test, could retain his position at No.6. Alternatively, South Africa may opt for an additional allrounder or bowler in their XI. Left-hander Senuran Muthusamy is a potential replacement, offering both batting and left-arm spin bowling capabilities.South Africa currently holds a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series after securing a seven-wicket victory in the first Test.

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Bangladesh Drops Khaled Ahmed from Test Squad for South Africa Series

Bangladesh Drops Khaled Ahmed from Test Squad for South Africa Series

Bangladesh's Khaled Ahmed Omitted from Test Squad for South Africa SeriesFast bowler Khaled Ahmed has been excluded from Bangladesh's squad for the upcoming first Test against South Africa, scheduled to commence on October 21 in Mirpur. This marks the sole alteration to the 16-man contingent that toured India in September and October.Ahmed featured in only the second Test against India in Kanpur, where he bowled four overs in the first innings, conceding 43 runs without claiming a wicket. Bangladesh will host South Africa for two Tests, with the second match taking place in Chattogram from October 29.This series marks the first assignment under interim coach Phil Simmons, who joined the squad on Wednesday following the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) decision to remove Chandika Hathurusinghe from the position due to disciplinary reasons.Bangladesh currently occupies the seventh position in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, having secured a 2-0 victory in Pakistan and suffered a 2-0 defeat in India. South Africa, on the other hand, stands fifth in the WTC standings, having recently emerged victorious in a two-Test series against the West Indies in August.Bangladesh Squad for First Test against South Africa:* Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)* Shadman Islam* Mahmudul Hasan Joy* Zakir Hasan* Mominul Haque* Mushfiqur Rahim* Shakib Al Hasan* Litton Das* Jaker Ali* Mehidy Hasan* Taijul Islam* Nayeem Hasan* Taskin Ahmed* Hasan Mahmud* Nahid Rana

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Music Inspires South Africa's Women's Cricket Team at T20 World Cup

Music Inspires South Africa's Women's Cricket Team at T20 World Cup

The music of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup has become an integral part of the tournament, inspiring players and fostering team spirit. For South Africa, a diverse playlist has helped create a cohesive unit that is aiming to break their semi-final curse.Chloe Tryon, a veteran of 100 T20Is, has witnessed the transformative power of music within the team. "We have a team playlist that we put together and we ask girls to add their music in," she said. "It's so nice to have a diverse team and I feel like we get along really well."The South African squad has been praised for their team spirit, which has been evident in their performances on the field. They have overcome an opening defeat to West Indies with two big wins, thanks in part to the uplifting beats of Lady Gaga's "Just Dance."Music has also played a role in the Pakistan camp, where Punjabi tunes have even gotten the injured Diana Baig dancing. Meanwhile, the South African team has found a unique blend of Afrikaans music and Amapiano to keep their spirits high.Tryon, who has yet to fire with the bat, is confident that her time will come. She has been working on her technique with spin-bowling coach Paul Adams, who has helped her improve her hip drive and ball angle."As a spinner, you kind of have to get your hips over the front foot," Tryon explained. "Paul spoke about that hip drive, going over the front leg and getting a really good motion into the ball."South Africa's bowling attack has been a strength, with Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba forming a formidable spin duo. They have also benefited from the versatility of Sune Luus, who has switched to offspin to fill a gap in the team.Despite their impressive performances, South Africa is still seeking their first T20 World Cup title. Tryon believes that this group has the potential to go all the way. "Whenever we walk out there, we want to do our best, for South Africa and for our family and our friends," she said. "We just want to go out there and make them proud and bring the nation together."

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England Spinners Strangle South Africa in Women's T20 World Cup

England Spinners Strangle South Africa in Women's T20 World Cup

England Dominate South Africa in Women's T20 World CupSHARJAH, United Arab Emirates - England showcased their all-around prowess to secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup on Monday.England's spin quartet, led by the exceptional Sophie Ecclestone (2/15), stifled South Africa's batting in the death overs, limiting them to a modest 124/6 after the Proteas elected to bat on a challenging wicket.In response, England lost two early wickets, but opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge (43 off 43) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (48 not out from 36b; 6x4) seized control of the chase. The duo forged a match-winning 64-run partnership that propelled England to victory with four balls to spare.South Africa's innings began promisingly, with Laura Wolvaardt anchoring the top order. However, Ecclestone's dismissal of the skipper for 42 triggered a collapse, as the Proteas lost four wickets in the final four overs and managed only 39 runs.Legspinner Sarah Glenn complemented Ecclestone superbly, conceding just 1/18 from her four overs.England's victory marks their second consecutive win in the tournament, while South Africa's hopes of reaching the semi-finals have suffered a setback.

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