Rabada calls for focus ahead of WI tie

SOUTHAMPTON, june 9

South Africa need to put aside the fallout from their decision to overlook AB de Villiers and their injury issues when they face the West Indies in the World Cup tomorrow, said key bowler Kagiso Rabada.

“There has been a lot happening off the field, so it’s a bit of a weird stage for the Proteas,” Rabada said. South Africa’s World Cup chances have also been hit by injuries to fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi. “We have to deal with what we have. There is no point complaining about it,” Rabada said.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had quite a few problems in this tournament with injuries and we’ve had to work our way around it. We just need a few things to click... We’re looking to turn it around tomorrow,” he added. Rabada will be South Africa’s lead attack bowler in a match they must win to keep alive their slim hopes. “We need a few things to click and we are working our way around it. And so we are looking to turn it around tomorrow. We have done our analysis already. We’ve put our plans in place. The West Indies are a dangerous team. But we believe that we can beat them,” Rabada added. 

WI need to be aware of job at hand vs SA: Lloyd

South Africa may be struggling but two-time World Cup winning captain Clive Lloyd feels West Indies cannot afford to take the Proteas lightly tomorrow. “Windies have to be aware of the job at hand as South Africa is in danger of missing out on the top-4 if they lose,” Lloyd said in a column for the ICC. — Agencies

"There has been a lot happening off the field, so it’s a bit of a weird stage for the Proteas. We have to deal with what we have. There is no point complaining about it."—Kagiso Rabada, South Africa pacer

SA vs WI in World Cup

• Matches: 6
• South Africa won: 4
• West Indies won: 2

Form guide

• West Indies: LWLLL
• South Africa: LLLWW
• (L=lost W=won; Last five completed matches, most recent first)

Pitch and conditions

Chances of rain, showers expected in the afternoon at The Hampshire Bowl

49 Runs is the highest opening stand for the Proteas at this World Cup