After disappointing results against Afghanistan and Ireland, the Proteas are ready to redeem themselves in their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series starting on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, according to SA skipper Temba Bavuma.
The Proteas have come off a loss to Afghanistan in their three-match ODI series in Sharjah and a drawn T20 International series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.
South Africa will take on Ireland again in Abu Dhabi, this time in the 50-over format.
Bavuma was not involved in the T20I series against Ireland, but was against Afghanistan when the Proteas were completely outplayed.
Despite losing to Afghanistan and drawing with Ireland in their two limited overs series, Proteas coach Rob Walter said breeding new talent and depth in South African cricket was the main goal.
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No compromise
The squad selected for all three series has been largely experimental with the focus on identifying fringe players for future selection.
While the results did take an expected dip, Bavuma said it was possible to breed new talent while achieving respectable results.
“For me personally, the results are important. As much as you're trying to increase player depth, give players worthy opportunities, it's important that you do have the results to back that up, so at no point are we trying to compromise that,” said Bavuma.
“That's still important, and I think that's something that's well known within the group, young and old, within the team. I think guys that have been given opportunities, it's really to see where guys can come in and fit within the team, what roles they can play.”
Bavuma went on to single out a player like Kyle Verreynne and what he hoped to see from the 27-year-old.
“I think that's happened throughout the 50-over and the T20 stuff. I can't speak too much about the T20 stuff, but I think in the 50-over, I mean, Kyle Verreynne now, he comes back into the ODI squad and I think he'll also get an opportunity to see what he can do.
“This is probably the last series really, where the theme will be about increasing player depth, development and all those types of things.
“It's one more chance for those younger guys to really put up their hands and show that they can be part of the team in a strong way.”