South African skipper Faf du Plessis has urged his team to play a “courageous” brand of cricket in the 2019 World Cup, as they look to break the jinx in ICC tournaments.
Despite producing some quality players over the years, the four-time semi-finalists have never qualified for the final of a World Cup.
“For me, you can see in the current group there is some young, courageous players in there,” said du Plessis. “I believe that is the way we’ll win the World Cup; to really go there without all the baggage and go ‘these are the most talented and courageous cricketers’ and play a style of cricket that doesn’t limit us from being so mentally challenged by going to a World Cup every time.”
“Because, let’s be honest, that’s probably the only hurdle we haven’t overcome is the mental aspect of it,” he pointed out. We’ve always been skilfully right up there, just lacking in crucial aspects of the game. That’s why my message is to free players up mentally, try get them to a space where they’re not fearing failing.
“I’ve been involved in two World Cups now where we’ve tried two different approaches, from leading up to the tournament and a mental approach. I certainly have seen the good, the benefits, and bad from both of them.”
