Morne Morkel at a training session at the Adelaide Oval (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Gary Kirsten remains hopeful of an improved performance from the Proteas in their last two group B matches of the ICC Champions Trophy. The Proteas have to beat Pakistan and the West Indies to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition, after their 26-run loss to India in the opening match.
“Some of our players haven’t quite hit their straps yet,” the Head Coach said at the team’s training in Birmingham on Saturday. “We all know that we don’t have much time and we are going to have to play well from here. I don’t think we were quite on fire the other day which is quite disappointing, we had chances in the game to turn it around.”
Kirsten also feels the absence of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel but will be an exciting opportunity for young bizhub Highveld Lions all-rounder Chris Morris to make a mark if he is selected. Morris joined up with the squad in Birmingham on Saturday morning, and is coming off an impressive debut stint for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 6.
“It’s nice to have him here,” Kirsten said. “He has done well and more importantly he comes here with confidence. We are two days away from a match but I have had to tell him that he may be playing. It’s exciting for him, he obviously doesn’t have a lot of time but at least he has had some competitive cricket less than two weeks ago, I’m sure he is looking forward to the opportunity.”
The Proteas’ medical team will make a decision on the availability of Steyn for the match against Pakistan after tomorrow’s training session.
