Van Zyl confident of doing well against new ball
Potential South Africa batsman Stiaan van Zyl has been knocking on the door for the past few season, and could finally get his break in the first Test against the West Indies next week, in JP Duminy's place.
If Duminy, the number seven all-rounder, does not get a fitness clearance, Van Zyl, who averages over 45 in first-class cricket, could finally get the debut fans have been clamouring for.
But the Cobras batsman has revealed, on Cricinfo, that he would really like to bat in the top order, if not as opener. He revealed that the Proteas coach, Russell Domingo, hinted to him that he could play even if Duminy were fit.
Van Zyl said of possibly replacing out-of-form Alviro Petersen: "In Zimbabwe, Russell had a chat with me and said the only spot that will maybe open up on performance base would be the opening spot.
"If there is only a gap in the future at the top of the order, then that's what I am looking at because I think from three to seven, the squad is quite set, the only position could be in that opening spot."
Van Zyl was released from the national squad's training to play in a tour match against the West Indies, the only player to be granted that, as the selectors look to see how he'll cope against the international attack.
He feels confident though, having finished the previous season at the top of the domestic run-scoring list: "Last season I did very well and in about 60 percent of the games, I faced the new ball. So, I almost opened anyway.
"Of course, it's a a different thing if you stand in the field all day and then you've got to open because normally I've got 20 minutes or half-an-hour feet up but I think my technique and my patience and my batting is equipped for that of an opening batter."
Latest
-
NewsJames Anderson expects England to maintain their aggressive approach
India are in control of Ben Stokes’ team at Edgbaston.
-
NewsStuart Broad delivers costliest Test innings as India take control at Edgbaston
Broad gave up a record 35 runs in the penultimate over of India’s first innings.
-
NewsStuart Broad over costs a Test record 35 runs as India take charge at Edgbaston
The tourists reduced England to 60 for three having made 416 in their first innings.
-
NewsStuart Broad makes history twice on wild morning at Edgbaston
Bowler reached two milestones, one definitely unwanted.
-
NewsTest cricket’s most expensive over – a ball-by-ball account
Stuart Broad’s over to Jasprit Bumrah went for 35 – seven more than the previous record.
-
NewsNew England captain Jos Buttler unable to prevent Lancashire defeat in Blast
The Lightning were defeated by Worcestershire Rapids.
-
NewsYou’ve got to applaud – Paul Collingwood hails ‘world-class’ Rishabh Pant knock
Pant blazed 146 off just 111 balls on an entertaining first day between England and India at Edgbaston.
-
IndiaSuperb Rishabh Pant century turns Indian fortunes around against England
Pant smashed a brillaint 146 off just 111 balls.
-
NewsJos Buttler admits becoming England white-ball captain could end Test chances
The wicketkeeper-batter has replaced Eoin Morgan in charge of England’s white-ball teams.
-
EnglandMatthew Potts removes Virat Kohli before India fightback at Edgbaston
James Anderson led from the front with three wickets as India reached tea at 174 for five.