Robin Peterson content with South Africa Under-19 team’s preparation in New Zealand

Former South African all-rounder Robin Peterson, who retired from all forms of cricket in November 2017 after making his international debut in 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, revealed he is confident of the under-19 team delivering well in the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

“I was pretty happy with how the guys bowled. I think the preparation has been superb,” Peterson was quoted as saying by Super Sport.

Moreover, the 38-year-old Port Elizabeth-born Peterson is serving as the team consultant while remarking the preparations are going on for the first day and night fixture which is slated on January 17 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui against reigning champions Windies.

Reflecting the satisfaction owing to the preparations, Peterson is further imparting the knowledge to the wards as he was the leg-arm orthodox spinner.

Peterson, who played 79 One-day Internationals, 21 Twenty20 Internationals and 15 Tests for the Proteas reiterated the boys had sweated it out during the fielding drills under floodlights.

“We had a fielding session under lights last night, so they got a feel of fielding at the (Bay) Oval under lights,” Peterson asserted.

137 wickets under his belt across formats in international cricket between 2002 and 2017, Peterson added the youngsters had ticked the boxes for the all-important game which saw the visitors making most during the practice session.

“The spinners bowled well, the fast bowlers seemed to have a good rhythm and the batsmen were striking the ball well. I’m quietly confident going into this one.” Peterson added.

The 16 team tournament has kicked off in New Zealand on January 13, and the grand finale is slated for February 3.

Moreover, the former spinner believes the competition would further play a crucial role in shaping up the impressive youngsters with the Proteas youngsters listed in the Group A.

While shedding light on the overall approach of the side, Peterson stated the players are confident after the win, and there is a challenge to face quality teams, and he believes the lads would be ready to face the daunting tasks.

“For me, it’s responsibility. I want to see guys stick their hands up when the pressure is on,” Peterson said.

With South African and Windies players familiar to each other, as Peterson believes the tour has a lot on offer for the side while adding one has to get better of his emotions in a bid to excel in the game.

“Even though we’ve covered the skills, it’s up to the individual player to make sure that they keep their emotions intact and tackle the mental side of the game,” Peterson concluded.

The South African youngsters kicked off their campaign with a convincing 169-run win over Kenya U-19 in Lincoln on January 14 (Sunday).

The other two teams in the group in the form of hosts New Zealand and Windies, as the South African U-19, is topping the charts with two points at their Net run-rate is +3.380.

Read further regarding the youth World Cup in New Zealand: ICC Under-19 World Cup, 2018