Phehlukwayo pleased at reunion with Klusener

Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo says he was looking forward to working alongside Lance Klusener in the new South Africa coaching set-up.

Klusener, commonly known as Zulu, has legendary status within the national game due to his heroic batting and canny bowling for his country.  The 48-year-old was recently named batting coach for the tour of India.

Phehlukwayo, who was coached by Klusener at the Dolphins during the early parts of his career, says he was flattered with comparisons made between the two. He added that he was just looking forward to the reunion.

Meanwhile, Phehlukwayo has conceded that he has reached a point in his international career where he needs to step up to the next level by performing more consistently for South Africa.  The 23-year-old has already played over 50 One-Day Internationals as well as 21 Twenty20s. He is still establishing himself at Test level, though, where he has played four matches thus far.

The Durban-born star, who was part of South Africa’s disappointing World Cup campaign recently, admits he needs to step up a notch.

Phehlukwayo is currently in India with the national team preparing to face the hosts in the first of three T20s starting on Sunday.

The all-rounder, who is not in the Test squad for the trip to the cricket-mad Asian nation, is expected to play a vital role for the Proteas.

He is one of the most experienced members of the squad, alongside the likes of Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Kagiso Rabada.

Phehlukwayo will be especially key with his canny seam bowling and acknowledges the extra responsibility he shoulders within the team. He says he has been working hard to improve during the off-season. – Report by Thahir Asmal