Cricket
Proteas in a good space as crucial Windies series begins─── MORGAN PIEK 07:51 Tue, 27 Jan 2026
The Proteas will begin fine-tuning for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka when they take on the West Indies in a three-match T20 International series starting on Tuesday.
Most of the Proteas squad comes straight off a fiercely competitive SA20, although a handful of players will be given a breather. Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen are all being rested for the series after featuring in Sunday’s SA20 final for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Their absence has opened the door for the explosive Titans opening batter Lhuan-Dré Pretorius, as well as Dolphins all-rounder Eathen Bosch, to be drafted into the squad.
Pretorius is no stranger to the Proteas setup, while Bosch – the younger brother of Corbin Bosch – gets his first taste of the national environment.
The three-match series will be South Africa’s final competitive hit-out before they board the flight to the subcontinent, and the Proteas will be eager to make a strong statement, particularly against a West Indies side that will also be competing at the T20 World Cup.
Captain Aiden Markram underlined the importance of the series, stressing that smart player management will be key as the global showpiece draws closer.
“I’ll always be a captain who wants to win – losing bilateral series is incredibly frustrating, but we also have to understand where we’re at and what’s coming,” said Markram.
Lhuan-Dré Pretorius. Photo: Cricinfo
“A series like this is about getting players into roles we foresee for the World Cup, managing workloads after a tough SA20, and giving guys rest when they need it – while still trying to win.”
The skipper added that he is pleased with where his players are mentally and physically after the gruelling SA20, with the encouraging sign being that most of the likely World Cup squad enjoyed strong tournaments.
“It’s been great to see the boys in such a good space after SA20,” Markram added.
Eathan Bosch. Photo: Cricinfo
“There’s a really positive energy around the group, and a lot of players are showing strong signs.
“You’d much rather head into a tour like India with confidence and form than with guys struggling, and that’s something we’re definitely blessed with at the moment.”
The first T20 International between South Africa and the West Indies at Boland Park in Paarl is set to get underway on Tuesday at 18:00.
