- Cape Cobras captain Zubayr Hamza believes that he shouldn't be in Pakistan with the Proteas.
- Hamza is hoping to revive his white-ball form as the Cobras get their One Day Cup campaign underway this weekend.
- The Cobras take on the Lions on Friday at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
Cape Cobras skipper Zubayr Hamza acknowledged that his place in the Proteas squad was deservedly lost as the batsman looks to redeem himself in the ongoing One Day Cup.
The Cobras are in the Potchefstroom bubble as they are geared to play their opening match of the season against the Lions on Friday.
Hamza has become a familiar face of South African cricket in recent years after playing five Tests for the Proteas.
During England's tour of South Africa last year, Hamza struggled with scores of 39, 4, 5, 18, 10 and 2 and was dropped for the fourth and final Test.
Hamza shrugged off the disappointment and instead focussed on his new role as Cobras captain under the leadership of coach Ashwell Prince.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hamza admitted that judging by his performances in red-ball cricket, he didn't feel like he should be in Pakistan for the Proteas Test series.
"No, I think guys that consistently performed have been rewarded with opportunities at the next level and after not necessarily taking my opportunity when I had them. It's pretty easy to go back. I need to put in the hard graft and put the numbers on the board in order to add another opportunity."
Hamza starred with the bat at last year's One Day Cup, scoring 582 runs in 10 games at an average of 58.20 with two centuries under his belt. He ended as the second-highest run-scorer, behind Dolphins batsman Grant Roelofsen (588 runs).
However, the coronavirus pandemic struck in March and that only saw the return of cricket in November with the 4-Day Franchise Series.
Hamza struggled to dust off some lockdown cobwebs, scoring 167 in five games at an average of 16.70.
The 25-year-old looks at this week's resumption of the One Day Cup as a fresh start and he hopes to replicate last year's white-ball success.
"I'm happy where I am at the moment mentally and skill-wise. I certainly haven't been happy with my performances in the 4-Day competition. I've worked hard off the field and it's a new tournament and fresh start," said Hamza.
"I managed to get some innings in the middle. I'm looking forward to putting in some good performances. I had a good season in the One Day Cup but last year is done and dusted, it's time to put in more performances for the squad."
Prince, who was in the virtual press conference with Hamza, hailed his attitude, stating that they will back him regardless of form.
"I'm very confident but I think you just heard the maturity there yourself. Maybe sometimes people like to answer that question that benefits themselves or make them look good. He knows what he has to do and we back him," said the Cobras coach.
"Last year, he almost single-handedly carried the batting line-up and we are confident he will produce those results.
"Obviously, we are looking for a collective effort throughout rather than one or two people carry the burden. We've put together a nice squad with new guys trying to make their mark in South African cricket."
Pool B fixtures are set to get underway this week with Cobras, Lions and Warriors contesting in a bio-secure environment.
The Cobras take on the Lions at Senwes Park on Friday at 10:00.
Cape Cobras squad:
Zubayr Hamza (Captain), Aviwe Mgijima, Benjamin Ward, Christiaan Jonker, Corbin Bosch, Imraan Manack, Janneman Malan, Jason Smith, Jean Du Plessis, Jonathan Bird, Nandre Burger, Onke Nyaku, Pieter Malan, Siyabonga Mahima, Tony De Zorzi, Ziyaad Abrahams