Gibson to explore options ahead of World Cup

Cricket365
January 30, 2018

South Africa coach Ottis Gibson has reinforced the sentiments of convener selectors Linda Zondi that the Proteas will explore other options in the ODI series against India.

Although the Proteas could lose their top spot in the world rankings to India of they lose the series, Gibson insists that the main focus should be on getting ready for next year’s World Bup in England.

Senior players will be rested and others given opportunities with uncapped duo Khaya Zondo and Lungi Ngidi included in the squad for the first three games of the six-match series.

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Gibson said: “The squad is selected for the first three games, then we will look to expose a few other players at this level.

“That is not to suggest that they are taking India lightly. India are a very good one-day team. They play more one-day cricket than we do, so we look forward to the series.

“Hopefully there will be packed houses around the country, and the cricket will be very entertaining and so on.”

While the results in the upcoming series still is important, the SA coach wants to see what other players have to offer the national team.

The batting order pretty much picks itself with Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, captain Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and David Miller all in the starting XI barring any injuries but it is the reserves that needs to be looked at.

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Gibson continued: “With the emphasis on the World Cup, we want to try and expose a few more players. The fans obviously want to see the best team.

“We want to play some winning cricket, and we are certainly not going to devalue the cricket in any way, shape or form.”