Jacques Kallis speaks ahead of South Africa's clash against India
South Africa have endured the worst possible start to their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign, losing their opening two matches. Having lost their last match to Bangladesh on Sunday, South Africa await a stern test against two-time world champions India. Ahead of the high-octane clash, former South African great Jacques Kallis has said that Proteas cannot afford any more slip-ups. Here's more.
Kallis warns South Africa of pressure in upcoming games
Kallis was disappointed following the dismal performance by the Proteas in the first two matches. In the same light, he has warned his side that there would be immense pressure in the coming games, especially against India. He has even cautioned them that failing to win against India could more or less end their World Cup campaign even before it gets started.
It doesn't get any easier though against India: Kallis
"It doesn't get any easier though against India, but it's their first game and our third, so maybe that could give us the edge. They have not played for a week and maybe, they'll be some first game nerves, whereas we are settled," Kallis noted.
Kallis alerts Proteas of playing by the best
Kallis further warned Proteas that the World Cup is being played by the best teams in the world, who would test them with their top performance. However, he also stated that a win for South Africa could restore their confidence, and they can also go on a winning streak. He also termed South Africa as one of the contenders, provided they can perform well.
Proteas almost need to win every game they will play
"There will be no margin for error though. I think you'll need six wins, maybe five with a really good run rate, to finish in the top four, so South Africa almost need to win every game they will play," Kallis wrote in ICC column.
Kallis feels Dale Steyn's absence hurting South Africa
South Africa's speedgun Dale Steyn is nursing a shoulder injury, resulting in him missing out the opening two matches. Kallis feels that it is what is hurting Proteas and wished that he gets fit in time for the clash against India, as they desperately need him to bolster their pace attack. He also read the injury of Lungi Ngidi would further hurt Proteas.
Kallis claims South Africa need to be smarter
Kallis further added that skipper Faf du Plessis has some great game plan. But, he also warned him, saying that if a plan is not working, he needs to have a back-up plan. "I felt we were one step behind the entire match and just tactically a bit off. We need to be a bit smarter," he concluded.
