Neil McKenzie hails new team dynamic in Proteas
FILE. Neil McKenzie praised the Proteas’ new team dynamic and depth after their successful chase of 359 runs in the second ODI against India, highlighting the potential for a series win and the positive impact on player selection for future ICC tournaments. Picture: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Image: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Following their win in the second One-Day International against hosts India, the Proteas have the rare chance of winning limited overs and Test series on the same tour, and former South Africa batsman Neil McKenzie has been impressed by what he has seen.
Even on their historic tour of India in the 1999/2000 season, in which South Africa won the Test series 2-0, they went down 3-2 in the following ODI series.
While last month’s Test series win over India already seems like ages ago, the ODIs got off to a losing start for South Africa despite a strong chase of 350 to win, as they fell 17 runs short in Ranchi.
However, the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday witnessed South Africa chase down 359 to win with four wickets and four balls remaining. Chasing such a big total on Indian soil was indeed a significant achievement.
South Africa’s Team Depth and Leadership Shine in Successful Tour
"You can judge a good team by the people sitting out and not making the starting XI. The coach and captain have produced a lot of depth and quality,” McKenzie told SportsBoom.co.za.
"Some world-class performers are loving their cricket under their leadership. It looks like a happy environment. Some young players are fighting for a spot, which has not happened in the last couple of years.”
Even if South Africa are unable to win the deciding third ODI in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, McKenzie said this display by the Proteas will stand them in good stead for the future.
“It will be a successful tour as they will be vying for another series win. It is a great tour already with the 2-0 win in Tests; getting used to the crowd, conditions, strengthens the player pool, which will help choose players for the big ICC tournaments."