Proteas batting coach JP Duminy is confident the Proteas will maintain momentum during Thursday’s Cricket World Cup fixture against Australia.
South Africa, who are pursuing a maiden Cricket World Cup title, beat Sri Lanka last week on the back of centurions Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock.
“There has been a trend of real consistency. As a batting coach, I sit here not worried about a potential dip after a high,” said Duminy.
“There is a real hunger and determination within this group to really lead, particularly around the batting group.
“It has been drilled into these guys to focus on world-class preparation and process. If we focus on that, we give ourselves the best chance.
“If we have a good understanding and assessment of conditions, we understand our options, and operating in that execution space, then we are heading in the right direction.”
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South Africa beat Australia three-two in last month’s ODI series. The Australians were without seamer Mitchell Starc, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and batsman Steven Smith at the time. Starc, Maxwell and Smith have since returned.
“Yes, there is confidence coming out of a series winning three-two, when we were two-nil down. For the most part, a lot of those players were part of that series,” added Duminy.
“But yes, there are certain threats that are going to be posed, namely these conditions, and one or two players that never played in that series. We will certainly look at that.
“Having had personal experiences against them when their backs are against the wall, they are going to come out firing. Knowing their personality, it doesn’t take them away from their style of play, they are going to come harder.”
