Head coach Mark Boucher has spoken, albeit briefly, about South Africa’s decision to select batsman Zubayr Hamza ahead of the uncapped Ryan Rickelton for the ongoing opening Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Rickelton has been with the Test squad for an extended period and is among the leading run-scorers in the 2021-22 4-Day Domestic Series.
Hamza was a late addition to the squad as a replacement for batsman Keegan Petersen.
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“There was the seventh-batter option and we decided to go with Zubayr. That’s just how we felt the line-up needed to be,” said Boucher.
Boucher on Markram
He also explained the retention of batsman Aiden Markram, whose form in first Test against New Zealand and the series against India was poor.
“There’s a lack of confidence and sometimes you go through bad periods in your game,” he added.
“The wickets we’ve played on have been tough, especially for opening batters. And certain guys’ personal form is not where they want it to be and that’s added to not only the struggles in the opening partnership but in the top order.”
Proteas trail by 353 against NZ
The Proteas’ second innings slipped 34 for three on day two in Christchurch. New Zealand had amassed amassed 482 all out in reply to the tourists’ 95 all out in the first innings.
“The energies are way below par,” concluded Boucher.
“There was high expectation from everyone. We just haven’t come out and given the energy that’s expected of us.
“We do a lot of talking and planning throughout the series and the plans are right, but we haven’t been able to execute on those plans. The energies have been low. We can’t put our finger on it.”