http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 - Cricket News Update
After twice ending up as runners-up, South African Under-19s are aiming to become third time lucky and win the upcoming http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Queensland-c834 from August 11.
The young Proteas has fallen short of expectations in a tournament, which has been dominated by Australia, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 and India. In 2002, they were defeated by the Aussies and six years later, the Indians denied them a chance to lift the coveted youth trophy.
The Proteas feature in a tough group D, which also includes Sri Lanka and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Raymond-Vernon-Jennings-c84386, is looking forward to the challenge ahead and knows well that the sub-continent teams are traditionally, tough opponents.
"Bangladesh are very difficult to beat, they're a lot better at U19 level than their senior team is. And we've lost to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 three out of the last four times we've played them. It's the death pool with only two of us qualifying for the quarterfinals,"
Jennings warned.
Jennings, who has vast experience at the junior level, does not want to overestimate the prospects of his team but feels satisfied that his side has the talent and the resolve to go a step further this time around.
"Consistency is the big issue and that's because you're dealing with guys who haven't totally matured yet," Jennings said.
The Proteas suffered a serious blow when fast bowler, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rabian-Engelbrecht-c83214, was ruled out due to an injury on the eve of their departure for Queensland. Engelbrecht was the only team member who had the experience of playing the last Junior World Cup.
"Rabian has a lower back strain and it's not looking good. I'll have to give him a fitness test before we leave tomorrow, but our most experienced player may well be out," Jennings said wistfully.
While Australia is currently the defending champion, Pakistan and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 have emerged as hot favourites to win the mega-event, and will also pose serious challenge to the Proteas.
Sixteen teams will be competing with each other for the berth in the final due to be played on Aug 23. The Proteas will start their campaign against the Bangladesh on Aug 12.
Tags: