Proteas aim for balance with one eye on World Cup

The Standard Bank Proteas will be looking to strike the balance between results and a look to the future when they take on India in the first Momentum One-Day International (ODI) at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday. The Proteas enter the series with one eye on the ICC Cricket World Cup in England in 18 months, as they look to put together a squad of players that can achieve success at the World showpiece. Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis, says although building for the World Cup is a key priority, his squad remains committed to putting in competitive performances throughout the series. Aiden Markram looks set to earn his second ODI cap and will come in for the injured AB de Villiers in the line-up. The 23-year-old Test opener made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in October last year, and is a bright prospect who has been earmarked for the future. The players have managed to make the mental adjustment following the recently concluded Test series, with the focus shifting to the fast-paced high-intensity format. Tickets for the match have been sold out a week in advance, with the Durban fans having the first opportunity to witness the two best ODI teams in the world.