Quinton de Kock created controversy by refusing to kneel. However, South Africa is available for selection after apologizing.
star batsman quinton de kockThe expected return after agreeing to take a knee will strengthen South Africa when they take on the inconsistent Sri Lanka in their Super 12 game in the T20 World Cup on Saturday.
De Kock’s return for refusing to be part of an anti-racism gesture in the game against the West Indies sparked a storm, which subsided on Thursday with a lengthy statement in which he made himself available, saying it that it is okay to kneel if it “educates others”.
The off-field drama around the wicketkeeper-batsman, who is a key member of the team, did not deter the team as they beat the Caribbean by eight wickets.
De Kock, who felt deeply saddened at being called racist for his earlier post, also apologized for the confusion the whole situation caused. If captain Temba Bavuma and the team “take me back” he would now like to make a statement by scoring big.
Bavuma, whose leadership has been excellent during the mini-crisis, will be keen that the players and the team can put the controversy behind them as soon as possible.
He has stood firmly behind de Kock during the media storm and has not hesitated to say that Cricket South Africa’s times were not ideal when it asked players to take a knee before every match a few hours before the game against West Indies. had ordered.
Bavuma would now like to lead beyond his batting. The right-handed opener has scores of 12 and 2 so far and will be eager to find form.
South Africa boasted of aggressive batsmen in Reeza Hendrix, Rasel van der Dussen. eden markram And the always-reliable David Miller, who can take his day and any opposition attack apart from Sri Lanka, will be no exception.
But all South African batsmen need to be wary of Sri Lankan spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Thekshana, who have troubled the opposition batsmen.
South Africa’s bowling took three wickets in their game against West Indies with right-arm medium pacer Dwayne Pretorius. He also has two of the best death bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Enrique Nortje, whose role will be crucial on Saturday afternoon.
A key role for the Proteas will be played by their spinners – Keshav Maharaj And Tabrez Shamsi –, who would want to run away from the talented but inconsistent Sri Lankan batting line-up.
South Africa are unlikely to tinker with their winning combination.
Sri Lanka will have to quickly leave behind the seven-wicket haul by Australia and need to start afresh.
Charit Aslanka’s form has been positive for the Islanders. wicket keeper Kusal PereraThe one who started against Australia will have to put up a big show against South Africa.
However, the consistent failure of openers Pathum Nisanka and Avishka Fernando will be a matter of concern for the team management.
The role of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has shown glimpses of his talent against Australia and the flamboyant Wanindu Hasaranga, will also be crucial if Sri Lanka are to chase or chase down a big total.
The Sri Lankan pace trio of Chamika Karunaratne, Dushyant Chamira and Lahiru Kumara looked poor against Australia and would have to bowl in the right areas to stop South Africa’s batting.
Though the dew will have no effect on the game, the results will be crucial for both the teams as they aim to qualify for the semi-finals.
full squad:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjay De Silva, Pathum Nisanka, Charit Aslanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapakse, Chamika Karunaratne, Vanindu Hasaranga, dusmantha chimera, Lahiru Kumara, Mahesh Thekshana, Akila Dhananjay, Binura Fernando.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Keshav Maharaj, Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuyn, Reeza Hendrix, Heinrich Klasseny, Aiden Markram, David Miller, W. Mulder, lungi ngidi, Enrique Nortje, Dwayne Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabrez Shamsi, Rassi van der Dussen.
The match will start at 3.30 pm IST.
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