Proteas looking at the bigger picture

SOUTH Africa are taking the upcoming T20 international series against the West Indies seriously in search of a blueprint for the shortest format of the game.

The first match takes place at SuperSport Park in Centurion tomorrow (2pm start).

This year is a big one for 50-over cricket as the World Cup will be staged in India from October. The shortest format of the game has taken a back seat for a little while as teams around the world prepare for the biggest tournament in international cricket.

SA aim to use the three-match T20 series against the West Indies as a way to bring Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje back into competitive cricket after being rested for the ODIs.

“This T20 series also provides an opportunity to get guys like Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje back into the mix and to get them ready for the Netherlands games in a way,” coach Rob Walter said.

“Certainly, for them to get the competitive edge back, get out in the middle, compete and put their skills under pressure. These guys are seasoned pros, so it’s about getting back to a competitive environment really.”

Walter understands the need to establish some form of a blueprint for T20 cricket, just as he has done in the ODIs.

The new limited-overs coach confirmed the squad will be taking the series seriously, to win it and to tick a few boxes going into the ODIs against the Netherlands.

“It’s a little more serious than just having some fun. It’s figuring out what the blueprint looks like in the T20 format of the game. The risktaking does escalate, because your time is less, so you have to take more risks in order to get to where you want to get to,” said Walter.

“Also, from a bowling point of view it’s how do we aggressively influence the game in T20 cricket, which looks a little different to 50-over cricket. We’re always trying to fine-tune what the end point will look like. It’s all part of the bigger picture in my opinion.

“We understand how important these T20s are as well, I think there are 35 ODIs in the four-year cycle and about 40 T20s. There are not a lot of T20s in between now and the World Cup. Every event is important and an important opportunity.”