BECKENHAM: After being edged out in the recent Youth ODI Series against England, the South Africa Under-19 (SA U19s) side will hope they can resurrect the form that saw them lead the series when the first four-day match gets underway at the Kent County Ground in Beckenham on Friday.
The tourists made an impressive start to the tour by winning the opening Youth One-Day International (YODI) before England responded with victories in the final two matches to secure the series 2-1.
Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the YODI honours, South Africa produced several encouraging individual performances throughout the three matches and will be eager to build on those displays in the longer format.
The four-day series will provide the squad with an opportunity to test themselves in different conditions while placing a greater emphasis on patience, discipline and consistency with both bat and ball.
For many of the players, it will be their first taste of red-ball cricket on an overseas tour, providing valuable experience against quality opposition.
Looking back on the YODI series, interim coach Imraan Khan feels there were several shining lights and plenty of positives that they can take into the two-match four-day contest.
“Our captain Jason Rowles performed well with both bat and ball and Muhammed Bulbulia played nicely and had a few good knocks,” Khan said.
“The bowling unit was probably the skill that consistently impressed. JJ Basson was outstanding with his execution and control. Michael Kruiskamp bowled with good pace while Ntando Soni and Bandile Mbatha provided good control.
“We might not have executed our processes as well as we would have liked in the key moments, but the team fought hard and played with a lot of energy that will be needed again in the red-ball series.”
While the bowling attack showed encouraging signs throughout the 50-over series, the junior Proteas will be aiming for greater consistency with the bat after showing flashes of their potential without consistently converting promising positions into match-winning totals.
The longer format should allow the batting unit more time to settle at the crease and build substantial partnerships, a key that Khan has highlighted, while the bowlers will have greater opportunities to apply sustained pressure over extended spells.
The teams return to the same venue that hosted the final YODI of the series. For Khan, it is a positive to return to familiar surroundings, although he expects the introduction of the Dukes ball to present an entirely new challenge.
“The Dukes ball will add a different element to this match because it will be something that the boys will be experiencing for the first time.
“We are expecting another good cricket pitch and some of our guys will be playing first-class cricket for the first time.
“Those factors make for an exciting test, and the team are looking forward to the next two matches,” Khan added.
The opening match marks the first of two four-day encounters between the sides, with South Africa hoping to end the tour on a positive note.
Strong performances in English conditions will not only provide confidence for the remainder of the series but also offer the players valuable experience as they continue their progression towards senior provincial and national cricket.
South Africa U19 Men Squad against England U19 Men
Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Tahseen Hanslo (Lions), Paul James (North West Dragons), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Matlala (Easterns), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Riley Miller (Eastern Cape Iinyathi), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Nkosana Sibiya (Lions), Ntando Soni (Knights), Joshua van Biljon (Dolphins), and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).
Fixtures
Four-Day Series
10 – 13 July at 11:00 (12:00 SAST)
England U19 Men vs South Africa U19 Men – The Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham
17 – 20 July at 11:00 (12:00 SAST)
England U19 Men vs South Africa U19 Men – County Ground, Hove
Source: cricket.co.za
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