Kirsten banking on IPL experience to boost CT campaign

Johannesburg: South Africa`s coach Gary Kirsten has said the Proteas will be banking on the intensity gained by its players from playing in the Indian Premier League to boost their chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy in England.

"It`s going to be really important for our players who have been playing in the IPL to bring their intensity to our squad," said Kirsten. "The IPL is very intense, and we are probably going to rely heavily on them in our warm-up games," he said before leaving for Amsterdam, where South Africa will play a one-day international against the Netherlands on Friday. Of the 15-member South African squad for the Champions Trophy, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Faf du Plessis, Morne Morkel, Ryan McLaren and David Miller were part of the seven-week long league in India. Kirsten conceded that it would be challenging to bring together players, who would be tired after the IPL, and those who have played little of late. "It`s not something we`re unused to; that is the cricket landscape at the moment, and that`s how we operate," he said. "The guys adjust and adapt quickly. We`re used to that space and we know it`s each one`s responsibility to make sure he`s ready to go," he added. PTI