Bavuma sees positives in Proteas coaching changes, has sights on direct World Cup qualification

Proteas limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma admitted the coaching change in the team is something they need to adapt to, especially with the crucial juncture they find themselves in from a World Cup qualification perspective.

The three-match England ODI series that starts in Bloemfontein on Friday is the first of five matches the Proteas need to navigate in the ICC World Cup Super League in order to qualify directly for the World Cup in India later this year.

The first two games take place at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein this weekend, before the third ODI in Kimberley on Wednesday.

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The Proteas are currently in 11th position with 59 points, 18 points adrift of ninth-placed Sri Lanka, who are their most real threat to World Cup qualification in terms of having remaining World Cup Super League matches.

Cricket South Africa has appointed two new coaches in Rob Walter (white ball) and Shukri Conrad (red ball), with Bavuma saying change is a constant they must live with.

Bavuma also added that they're mentally ready for the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe if the road takes them there.

"These things happen, and change is something that is constant in life. It is important that you don't fight it," Bavuma said.

"You need to be able to move and adapt to that change. We still need to see how the coaches want us to play, but it's something we're still discussing.

"As players, we'll see where we're headed and as key observers, you guys will be looking at how we play, while we show you how we play.

"In terms of the Zimbabwe qualifiers, if we end up playing there, it won't be a shock to the system because it's something we're already processing