South African batsman Reeza Hendricks is concentrating on the task at hand, rather than possible selection for the World Cup later this year.

That task is the ongoing five-ODI series against Pakistan, who won the opener at St George’s Park last week – and will chase a two-nil lead at Kingsmead in Durban on Tuesday.

‘I’m not looking at it like that. Yes, the World Cup is around the corner, but we’ve got a series on hand now at the moment and this is an opportunity that we get as well,’ said Hendricks.

‘We take it as it comes. Personally, I’m taking it game by game, trying to contribute as well as I can to each game and every opportunity I get, and the rest will take care of itself.

‘I’m not looking too far ahead, or looking who’s around me, because at the end of the day, if I don’t get selected, I know the player next to me and the guys that are going will do the job, and I back them 100%.’

Hendricks’ 45 was flanked by fellow opener Hashim Amla’s 108 and debutant Rassie van der Dussen’s 93 in Port Elizabeth. Van der Dussen proved particularly impressive during an entertaining 101-delivery stay, which featured six fours and three sixes.

‘I was quite proud to see him make his debut and contributing the way he has. Obviously disappointed that he couldn’t get to his three-figure mark, but at the end of the day he played really well to contribute as well as he did,’ added Hendricks.

‘I’ve played a couple of seasons now with him. I know his capabilities and have seen him improve over the years. He showed what he’s about to deserve a spot in the team.’

Photo: Gallo