Despite the Proteas’ under par performances in their white ball series against Australia, spinner Keshav Maharaj insists the team is making progress ahead of the World Cup.
The Proteas are currently in a heated battle against the Aussies in the ODI series in preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be played in India from October 5 to November 19.
The series is currently tied at two all after the Proteas bounced back strongly in the last two matches to ensure they head into a series decider today (10am) at the Wanderers Stadium.
The results haven’t made for great reading with Rob Walter’s newly assembled white ball losing the T20 and the first two ODI matches before producing a solid fight back. The batters have come to the party in the last two games with Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen hitting tons to lead the Proteas to comprehensive wins and level the series.
“I think the performances probably haven’t highlighted that but there has been a lot of progress made,” Maharaj said.
“Obviously with the new philosophy under the new coaches, it’s just about trusting the process. If I remember, one of the teams in the last World Cup lost about 12 matches in a row and ended up winning a World Cup. It’s not to say we take that situation for granted but I think it’s about believing in the process.
“If we take care of the basics and processes then the performances will come at the right time”
With the batting side showing some improvement, the bowling has been particularly exposed against the Aussies and is an area of concern heading to the World Cup.
Maharaj, however, is adamant that the once-feared bowling attack will regain its potency just in time for the global showpiece.
“We have acknowledged where we can be better as a unit, not just the seamers but all the bowlers,” added Maharaj.
“It’s all about the lines and execution. I hope we can build towards bigger and better things and peak at the right time as a unit.”
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
