CSA board commends Proteas’ ‘professionalism, fighting spirit’

Despite not making the semi-finals, the Proteas were congratulated for winning their last four fixtures, having only exited the tournament because of a lower net run rate in what was widely viewed as “the group of death”.

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Board Chairperson Lawson Naidoo said: “This is a team of champions who displayed character, heart and professionalism throughout. I join all South Africans in thanking them for doing us proud.”

South Africa’s untimely exit on Saturday followed on from a sequence of consecutive wins and a victory over favourites, England, with the Proteas only suffering one loss against Australia.

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“SA cricket is the ultimate winner as the momentum gained and lessons learned from this World Cup places us on a powerful upward curve for the future, built on the foundations of excellence, access and inclusivity,” said Naidoo.

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South Africa will now prepare for a three-match ODI series against the Netherlands from 26 November and an all-format tour by India, starting with three Tests from 17 December.

“With crowds allowed back into stadia, subject to appropriate Covid-19 restrictions, we look forward to a bumper summer of cricket and coming together as one to support our team,” concluded Naidoo.

Meanwhile, coach Mark Boucher said there were plenty of positives the team could still take away from the tournament, despite again failing to feature at the business end of a major tournament.

“It’s been tough for the team, I know we’ve been finding the headlines for the wrong reasons and although we’re out of the World Cup, there have been a lot of positives to take away,” said Boucher.

“The way the guys played, the passion and the energy as a team. I think Temba needs a pat on the back and led this team from the front. This team is strong and together and hopefully, people can come watch the guys when we come back home.”