South African opening batsman Reeza Hendricks, the hosts' only bright light on an abject evening, says the quick turnaround time between games is a good thing because there is no time to dwell on what was a substantially under par performance.
South Africa were trounced by 111 by their old enemy, Australia, in the first of three T20 Internationals.
It was the side’s first action in a while and the rustiness clearly showed. But, speaking to the media after the game Hendricks said that this should not be used as an excuse.
“The quick turnaround means we have to put Wednesday night behind us.
“It’s another opportunity for us to improve. We don’t want to use the lack of game time as an excuse, but we are looking ahead to Friday, because there is a lot of room to improve.
“Training and working in the nets is not the same. It’s always good to be playing cricket.
“The competitiveness and the intensity of a match is not something you can replicate, especially when you are training among your own.
“It’s completely different. When you play more often you get used to it and are more in tune with it,” he said.
Hendricks was South Africa’s only real success with the bat as he scored 56 and was the second last man out.
South Africa will have a chance to put things right in the second T20 which will be played on Friday evening – also at Durban’s Hollywoodbets Kingsmead.
