Behardien Benefits From Proteas' Attacking Philosophy

Behardien Benefits From Proteas' Attacking Philosophy

Farhaan Behardien has been given the freedom to play attacking cricket and the Proteas are reaping the rewards

©REUTERS / Action Images

South African batsman Farhaan Behardien is growing into his role as a middle-order finisher in the Proteas One-Day International side, approaching his task with aggressive relish.

Soon after a match-turning effort for South Africa in the opening ODI against Pakistan, he delivered a similar performance for the Nashua Titans, filling him with confidence ahead of Friday's second ODI at Centurion Park.

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"Gary and the rest of the management have created an environment where the players are backed and you are allowed to execute your skills even if it doesn’t come off all the time, and to be honest it won’t come off all the time,” he said.

"We have the backing of the management, the players and the captain so that gives us the freedom to play that well."

Behardien has now played 10 Twent20 Internationals and three ODIs since making his debut in 2011 but has only converted some of his promise into substantial innings in the last few matches - borne out by his 34 in 14 balls for South Africa and then 68 in 40 balls for his franchise.

"The philosophy in the national side is that we want to take the game forward, in T20 and ODI cricket," he added.

"In the past we have been slightly conservative so we have 20 ODIs this year to try and establish a one-day and T20 culture, something different and our own identity, being attacking is one of those philosophies."

South Africa, thanks in no small part to Behardien's efforts, won the opening ODI in the five-match series by 125 runs.

© Cricket World 2013