Rising Proteas T20I star Tristan Stubbs is looking to cement his spot in the Test team, and he has already received the backing of management to have a good run in the number three batting spot.
Stubbs was one of the surprise inclusions in the Proteas Test squad for their two-match series against hosts West Indies starting early next month.
Though Stubbs has already made an impression for SA in the 26 T20Is he’s notched up, he has played just one One-Day International (ODI) and one Test.
Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad, however, is adamant the youngster - who turns 24 just before the second match - will succeed in his new position.
Tristan Stubbs you immensely talented individual 🔥![CDATA[]]>🔥
— Werner (@Werries_) February 22, 2024
TRIPLE CENTURY 🔥#4Dayseries pic.twitter.com/c026skD3DK
‘I’ve dealt with a lot of expectation before’
“Batting number three for the Test side is a huge opportunity and challenge and I’m very thankful to the coach for backing me,” Stubbs told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.
“Any time someone praises you like that, you don’t ever want to let them down. But I’ve dealt with a lot of expectation in my career before.”
Stubbs said it would be a completely new role, but that he was optimistic about his chances of success.
Conrad firmly believed that Stubbs could offer more for South Africa than just being earmarked as a limited overs player.
Conrad said: “He is one of our best batsmen and I believe he is unfairly seen as just being a white-ball player. The way he came in under pressure in the T20 World Cup and commanded his space, he imprinted himself on games.”