Captain Aiden Markram says the new crop of Proteas have brought fresh energy to the T20I side as they begin their build-up to next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The Proteas’ three-match T20I series against Australia, starting in Darwin on Sunday, marks the start of a new era under coach Shukri Conrad.
It follows a breakthrough campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where South Africa reached their first final before suffering a heartbreaking seven-run defeat against India in Bridgetown.
Conrad has introduced an exciting group of youngsters, including Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, who will help determine the way the team plays.
“We have already had a few changes of personnel; some players have moved on and we have some younger guys in the squad,” said Markram.
“It’s mainly about unlocking the guys to be the best versions of themselves, play with absolute freedom, take the game on and entertain – that’s what T20 cricket is all about.
“We know if we play good cricket, it’s going to be entertaining and good for people to watch. That’s where we are at mentally.”
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Markram has relished the impact the youngsters have had on the team environment.
“They are just explosive and fearless,” he said. “You know how it is to be 19 and 20 – there aren’t many worries in the world at that age, and it reflects in their training and how they operate.
“Each country has their own youngsters coming through, and we have a handful of them on this tour. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to see what they are about and, hopefully, allow them to entertain people.”
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Proteas T20I squad: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen.
T20I series fixtures (SA times):
Sunday, 10 August (11:15): 1st T20I, Darwin
Tuesday, 12 August, (11:15): 2nd T20I, Darwin
Saturday, 16 August (11:15): 3rd T20I, Cairns
Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images
