South African cricket legends Mike Procter and Vernon Philander share their thoughts on the Proteas' upcoming T20I series with Australia at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead.
Mike Procter
“Fantastic news for cricket fans in KZN as South Africa hosts the T20 series against Australia. All three matches will be played at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in Durban, which will be looking to celebrate 100 years of international cricket.
“These are exciting times for cricket lovers, and judging by the cricket sales, it looks as though the “full house” signs will be coming up, creating an exciting atmosphere for all Proteas supporters.
“Both teams have an exciting lot of youngsters in the side, along with their seasoned professionals.
“The Proteas will be captained by Aiden Markram, with seasoned players Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks (who’s got a fantastic strike rate), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, along with two very exciting players in Dewald Brewis and Tristan Stubbs.
“Australia will be captained by Mitchell Marsh and supported by Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa. There are a host of very exciting young players in the Australian team, and it really does look like it will be some blockbuster cricket.”
Vernon Philander
“What really excites me is the inclusion of young Dewald Brevis as well as Donovan Ferreira. Both these youngsters have played in leagues around the world, putting in performances to validate their selection and I do feel they will be ready and hungry to put in big performances for South Africa.
“South Africa have been really consistent over the last 18 to 24 months, especially in the T20 format, and I do feel that, with the balance in this particular team, this might just set them up really well for the next World Cup and how they’re going to gel as a team.
“I feel that with the balance of the South African team, we may just be a touch too strong. We’ve got all out basis covered, especially in the seam bowing department as well as the spinners which I do feel will play a massive role in Durban.
“A welcome return for Keshav Maharaj in that department, and I do feel SA will rely a lot on his experience in Durban and him understanding the conditions as well as he does.
“It’s going to be an exciting series but I do feel South Africa will be a touch too strong.”
