Johannesburg – Proteas coach Russell Domingo remains positive his side can bounce back on their tour of Sri Lanka, despite trailing 2-0 in the five-match ODI series.
The marked improvement with the ball and in the field was overshadowed by another batting collapse in the rain-interrupted second ODI on Tuesday, as South Africa went down in a second straight defeat.
Domingo was unable to explain the cause of the poor batting displays, but called for a show of maturity, particularly from his senior players.
“It's a tough one to explain. I suppose there are a few guys who are trying to find their way in ODI cricket, and obviously not having Hashim for the first two matches was a big blow for us,” Domingo said on Wednesday.
“Ultimately there are guys who need to put in some big performances. They know that there will be some questions asked about their form over a period of time in this format.
“It's important that they put their hands up and put in some match-winning performances going forward.”
In contrast, Domingo praised fast bowler Morne Morkel, who led the attack in the opening two matches of the series.
“Morne has been outstanding on and off the field,” Domingo said.
“He is a wonderful professional and has really led from the front in a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, especially considering that Chris Morris has only played four ODI's.”
South Africa travelled to Kandy on Wednesday, where conditions were expected to offer some pace and bounce in the two-must win matches at Pallekele on Friday and Sunday.
“We'll assess conditions when we get to our first training session on Thursday, but I think conditions are a little different to what they were in Colombo,” Domingo said.
“It will be important for us to build on our improved performance in the last match and try to be more consistent in the next two in Kandy.” – Sapa