Proteas outside favourites for the World Cup. Image: CSA
Proteas no longer underdogs at the World Cup
“The expectations of the team never change. South Africans are proud sports people,” said Proteas coach Rob Walter.
Proteas outside favourites for the World Cup. Image: CSA
With the ICC Cricket World Cup starting this week, the Proteas are ready to hit the ground running.
They open their campaign against Sri Lanka on 7 October at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
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Rob Walter’s men will play New Zealand on Monday in their final warm-up match as they look to assess the conditions and get a few players into form.
The Proteas, ranked fourth are now considered outside favourites following their impressive 3-2 series win against Australia
“I don’t listen too much to commentary, but things must have changed because a few weeks ago, we were six to eight (favourites to win the World Cup), so it’s nice that the perception has changed of the team a little bit,” Walter told the media.
Proteas outside favourites going into World Cup
“The expectations of the team never change. South Africans are proud sports people – a proud cricket-loving nation. They want to see the team do well. Everyone has this burning desire to see us win a World Cup trophy.
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“The most important thing is, we’re building up to day one, we need to hit the ground running in game one,” he said.
Proteas will play New Zealand without skipper Temba Bavuma, who had to fly home to attend to family matters. He is expected to return before the Sri Lanka game.
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