South Africa lost the fourth T20I by 21 runs in West Indies.
South Africa’s limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma said that his team is looking to find an opening partner for Quinton de Kock and the sixth bowling option before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman later this year.
With approximately seven T20Is matches left – one against the West Indies, three against Ireland, and three against Sri Lanka before the T20 World Cup 2021, South Africa is still in the experimental stage to finalize De Kock’s partner and Bavuma reckoned a “seaming all-rounder will come back into the mix”.
At the moment, South Africa is playing a five-match T20I series against the West Indies and it stands level at 2-2 with the series decider to be played on Saturday (July 3).
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Bavuma said: “In terms of combinations, we are looking at who can partner Quinny at the top. Reeza Hendricks is the guy at the moment and we believe he has done it well. David Miller is our seasoned finisher. He has done it for many years but unfortunately at the moment, he is battling with form, as are a number of batters. I'm sure a seaming all-rounder will come back into the mix.”
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However, Bavuma lauded Aiden Markram for offering South Africa an all-round option but wasn’t sure if he is a sixth-bowling option for the T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.
The skipper further explained, “Where we find ourselves at the moment is that we are looking for someone who can effectively play that sixth bowling role. If you look at a guy like Aiden Markram, he gives you more than just the bowling option.”
He signed off by saying, “He is someone we see as versatile in terms of his batting position. He can bat at the top as well as batting in the middle and he has been given that opportunity now, albeit in tough conditions. From a bowling front, that the sixth-bowler we haven't nailed down.”
(With ANI Inputs)