« Back to article

Print this article

'Match against India a chance to put in the young guys'

South African stand-in T20 captain Johan Botha has said the one-off match against India at the Wanderers today will provide a great opportunity for the squad's youngsters.

"This gives us a chance to put in the young guys who have done well domestically. 

"It's not a bad thing to have young faces in the team," Sport 24 quoted Botha, as saying.

'Don't want to put too much pressure on young players'

Botha said the match would be crucial in enabling the selectors to pick the squad for the T20 World Cup to be held later this year.

"You don't want to put too much pressure on a young player, but if one or two of them step up tomorrow, they will go a long way to making it into the final 15-man squad for Sri Lanka," he added.

'Team India beat us a year-and-a-half ago'

Botha, who takes over the side in the absence of AB de Villiers (pictured), said the key to victory would be thinking ahead.

"A couple of guys have said to me in the past to just trust my decision. A lot of times guys are running all over the field and guys give you some information, and you often go with someone else, after which you think you shouldn't have. You just have to stay one step ahead of the game," he added.

The off- spinner said there would be much to take out of the clash, despite it being a once-off encounter.

"We've got a few games until the World Cup, so every T20 game is important and you can learn in every game. They beat us a year-and-a-half ago at Moses Mabhida Stadium, so hopefully we can make it one-all and just play well for Jacques. He's been an awesome servant to the game and a legend for South African cricket," he added.