South Africa a well-balanced side: Lance Klusener

Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has pinned his hopes high on the Proteas team in the Champions Trophy. After trouncing Sri Lanka by 96 runs at The Oval, South Africa have sailed through the first hurdle in their journey to the final. Klusener is pleased to see the South Africans brimming with confidence.

The recent South African side has undergone a sea change of late. The team has played with a lot of responsibility. Their stints in various leagues around the world have helped them become better cricketers. South Africa’s batting possesses immense depth and firepower. With big names like Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, AB de Villiers, the batting strength holds a lot of promise.

The bowling department is diverse as well. Players like Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada have been excellent in recent times, which was also evident in the match against Sri Lanka. Klusener rightly says that he is proud of the balance the unit has. He also named Chris Morris and Rabada as the best hitters at the death overs and they can easily change the face of the game with their late flourish, chipping in quick 30-40 odd runs.

A better team at present

“I feel this South African unit possesses a great balance. They bat deeper than sides in the past. In our times we used to bat till no 7, but these days players like Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada walk in late down the order and have the potential to score a quick-fire 30 that can change the complexion of the game,” he said to TOI.

The Kovai Kings coach for TNPL is aware of India’s prowess at big ticket matches and agreed that the defending champions are the biggest obstacle the Proteas will face in the tournament. India will continue their winning streak to progress into the finals. Klusener thinks that Team India’s batting has to fire in the English conditions. He has no qualms about the bowling department as India has one of the best bowling sides.

Also, England is another thorn in their Champions Trophy prospects. The South African is keeping a close eye on the proceedings of the English side as he knows the hosts have a brilliant all-rounder in the form of Ben Stokes who contributes a handful to the side. “England seems to have a good bunch of all-rounders and players such as Ben Stokes bring so much to the table. I expect this English side to go deep in this competition,” Klusener told.

South Africa will take on India in their second match of the tournament on June 8. Both teams will hope to maintain their winning run and storm into the final edges of the tournament.