East London – Proteas Twenty20 (T20) coach Russell Domingo was upbeat ahead of the second KFC T20 clash between South Africa and New Zealand at Buffalo Park on Sunday.
Domingo was delighted with the way his side had performed in their comprehensive eight wicket win in the first T20 in Durban on Friday, and he was very pleased that the new players in the squad had acquitted themselves so admirably.
“We’ve got a beautiful crop of young players coming through,” Domingo said at his East London hotel Saturday.
“Their energy and desire to be top-notch is amazing,” he added.
He spoke about the recent decision of head coach Gary Kirsten to hand over the reins for all T20 internationals to Domingo, which so far has paid dividends.
Domingo will take charge of the T20 squad for the three New Zealand matches as well as two games against Pakistan.
He said he thought this was a good option, considering the amount of cricket being played.
“The players are rotated, so why not coaches as well? England are already doing it, so, yes, it is likely to happen more often,” he said.
Domingo was particularly pleased with the captaincy of Francois “Faf” du Plessis, the Proteas Twenty20 captain, who led his team well Friday.
“Faf is so experienced and has good leadership qualities. I think it was a good time for him to step up.
“He’s currently playing the best cricket of his life and the experience he has will earn him the respect of all the players.”
Experienced fast bowler Morne Morkel has joined the squad and it is likely that he and fast bowling partner, Dale Steyn, with Rory Kleinveldt and Ryan McLaren, along with one of the spinners, Robin Peterson or Aaron Phangiso, will make up the bowling attack for Sunday’s big match. – Sapa