The Proteas go into their three-match T20 series against the Australians with a surprisingly poor record at home in the shortest form of the game.
The Proteas go into their three-match T20 series against the Australians with a surprisingly poor record at home.
In fact, since their first series in 2009, the Proteas haven't won any of the last three assignments against their opponents.Following the trauma of a lost Test series, the Proteas went into this skirmish with a refreshed squad and tried out several unknown domestic stalwarts to make their mark. So, they took a punt on a debutant named Roelof van der Merwe, who managed to pull a six over point and ended up making a crucial 48 off 30.Having reached a decent 156/5, the Proteas attack suffocated the Aussies, Johan Botha being the highlight with 2/16.Late summer in 2014 was dogged by flooding in the northern parts of South Africa, meaning this series was always going to be affected by the elements.
It sounded fine in theory, but it was complicated by the fact Hashim Amla was flourishing as a T20 opener and had built a good rapport with De Kock.Ironically, De Villiers failed in both his innings, at least helping the selectors in their mission for sanity to prevail and keeping him at No 4. The underrated David Wiese and wizardly Imran Tahir combined superbly to bring the hosts back into the game after an explosive start by Aaron Finch, who made 40 off 18.
In the decider at Newlands, Amla was at his serene best in finishing on an unbeaten 97 off 62, though the Proteas were criticised for not accelerating more at the death given they had wickets in hand.
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