Proteas relaxed ahead of World Cup opener
There is just one more sleep until the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and after two years of preparation under coach Ottis Gibson, the Proteas are ready to face England in the tournament opener at the Oval tomorrow.
Gibson cut a cool and composed figure in his pre-match press conference, despite the topic of Dale Steyn’s injury struggles dominating the conversation.
So what will the Proteas be doing just hours before cricket’s premier competition gets underway?
“We are chilling out,” Gibson said.
“Relaxing, doing our work, make sure that we pay attention to detail with some of the plans that we have for England.”
South Africa’s record at World Cup’s do not make for easy reading but there seems to be a different energy ahead of this tournament, they are not wearing the favourites tag for one.
READ: Steyn to miss World Cup opener against England
“The world cup brings its own pressure, what I am trying to say once you take the letters C then it’s just another cricket game so we are going to enjoy the tournament starting on Thursday,” Gibson said.
The hosts are the favourites, and why not ? Over the last three years they have shifted gears seamlessly under coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Eoin Morgan on their way to the top of the ICC ODI Rankings.
Gibson says England's aggressive approach is exciting to watch but also makes for easy reading.
“They are playing really well, they going to be aggressive, so you can plan for that. They will play good shots, but they will also give you opportunities to get them out,” Gibson said.
Keep up to date with the latest Cricket World Cup action with Myron Naicker as he brings us exclusive updates from England. Find the lastest update in the podcast channel below: