PROTEAS opener Tazmin Brits is ready to play a key role for the side in the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup in the UAE. Photo: BackpagePix
The Proteas finished runners-up to Australia in a memorable first appearance in a T20 World Cup final at Newlands last year.
But now Brits is hoping to spearhead the Proteas’ challenge from the top of the order again. The powerful right-hander enjoyed an excellent T20 World Cup on home soil, amassing 186 runs at an average of 37.20 and strike rate of 103.91.
She was particularly good in the semi-final against England, where she not only stroked 68 of 55 balls but also claimed four spectacular catches.
The 33-year-old also formed a solid opening partnership with current skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who topped the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 230 runs during the tournament.
The only criticism of the duo was the fact that they were not able to accelerate from the outset.
The pair have certainly worked hard on this aspect of their games in order to take full advantage of the powerplay restrictions.
There were certainly signs of a more attacking mindset on the recent tour of India.
“People have learnt that fearless cricket can actually be played. Strike rate in T20 cricket is massive. We try to attack the powerplay to get our team in the best position,” Brits said yesterday.
“Sometimes the wicket doesn’t allow it. Sometimes it’s not your day. Sometimes it’s Laura’s day. But as long as we get the team off to a good start, that’s important.
“I’m a bit of a slow starter compared to Wolvie, she gets out of the blocks quickly. I take my time, but I do feel like I can cash in at the back end.”
A major part of this development has coincided with the arrival of new batting coach Baakier Abrahams.
Formerly from the Warriors men’s team and having played an integral part in the Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s back-to-back SA20 championships, Abrahams has added plenty of “cricket IQ” to the Proteas Women’s coaching set-up.
“Firstly, we haven’t had a batting coach. The last one we had was Putters (Andrew Puttick),” Brits said.
“So, Bakes brings a lot of information. He’s been around the block. He actually makes you feel like a batting unit.
“When you are struggling and you are in a hole, you must be able to go to someone and he makes himself available for that. He’s been good.”
The Proteas were preparing for the T20 World Cup with a training camp in Durban last week, but they will also now head out to Pakistan for a short tour that includes three T20Is within the space of five days ahead of their departure to the UAE.
“I am glad we have the tour to Pakistan because we haven’t played much together since the tour of India,” Brits said.
“It will be about working on our combinations and also building some confidence. It’s always nice going to a World Cup with a bit of confidence behind your name.”
Cricket SA is set to announce the 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Johannesburg later today.