NEWS
Follow UsThe cricket world currently knows Tristan Stubbs as a powerful T20 hitter. But according to South African Test coach Shukri Conrad, the “big, strong, strapping boy” is ready to bat at number three for South Africa in the longest format.
South Africa are currently on the tour of West Indies for a two-Test match series beginning August 7 (Wednesday). With eight Tests remaining in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle for the South African team, Conrad feels that the time is right to try the youngster who averages 50.20 in First class cricket. He feels that Stubbs has more than just technique that can make him successful at the highest level.
“Technique is obviously a big factor because you're going to be facing the new ball the bulk of the time. And he's quite an imposing character, a big, strong, strapping boy, and I quite like that,” the Proteas coach told ESPNCricinfo.
“I like the fact that at the top of the order, there are quite imposing guys; guys that have got a good aura about them and strong body language.
His psyche and technique suggest someone who will do that job really well. We've got a good one for the future of South African cricket. I'm going to give him a good run [at number three]. I'd be surprised if we didn't back him throughout the rest of the cycle. I'm pretty confident Tristan is going to come good.”
While Stubbs is still finding his feet in international cricket, he has batted in a swashbuckling manner in domestic and franchise league cricket with a strike rate of 150.14. He has an image of someone ready to hit the leather off the ball. However, in a short first-class career, he already has a highest score of 302* and was the second-highest run-getter of 2023-24 in South Africa’s domestic red ball tournament.
Conrad doesn't want to change Stubbs's style of batting as he wants him be comfortable and play his own game.
“We do who we are. It's become quite a cliché now being the best version of yourself,” said the coach.
“But whatever that identity is, you couple that with the conditions that you're confronting and then marry that with what the skills the opposition bring, but ultimately, you still operate with your own identity in mind. That's the only message I've given Tristan and the rest of the batters."
