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- Proteas wicketkeeper-hitter Heinrich Klaasen spoke about his experience with contracting Covid-19.
- Klaasen only managed to play four competitive matches this season and has not played any matches this year.
- Klaasen will be the captain of the three-game T20 series against Pakistan.
Last year, wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen was one of three Proteas players who tested positive for the coronavirus during the tour from England to South Africa.
Klaasen, who played two of the three T20Is against England, picked up Covid-19 before the start of the opening ODI in Newlands.
The ODI game and series was eventually postponed without a ball being thrown.
READ | Boucher hints at need for hitting coach, criticizes Proteas fielding
While some experience relatively mild symptoms, Klaasen explained Tuesday the “harsh” physical strain his body underwent while battling the life-threatening virus.
“It was a difficult two months for me, I think the first 16-17 days I couldn’t do anything. I was very ill,” Klaasen told reporters in Lahore on Tuesday.
Klaasen revealed that his symptoms were so severe as he struggled to train with the Titans over the summer.
“The problems came when I couldn’t train properly, I could train a little bit, but I couldn’t run for 20 to 30 minutes or do anything without my heart pounding,” said the wicketkeeper-hitter.
“There were several rules for working out and developing your workload, but I couldn’t do the program, it was a simple program where you train for 10 to 20 minutes. It took me a long time to keep my heart rate under control so I could train a little.
“It was mentally horrible, I sat at home for two months and did nothing.”
Since contracting the virus in December, Klaasen has not played any competitive cricket and did not participate for the Titans in last month’s One Day Cup.
Klaasen admitted that while unsure of his form heading into the opening of the T20 on Thursday, he has been hitting the ball “well.”
“I had a weekend in the bush, just to get away from it all and be fresh for this tour. The last three weeks, I was able to train properly with Mandla (Mashimbyi) on the Titans, so I’m on the right track. In shape and safe to play cricket, “Klaasen said.
“It’s a different season for me, I think I’ve played four games, which has been really frustrating. I finally recovered, Covid hit me pretty hard.
“I’ve been working hard, it’s hard to tell you how my form is. We will probably see it in the next three games.
“I’ve just been trying to get back to my rhythm, obviously the conditions here are different. But I’m hitting the ball well and I’m looking forward to this series.”
The 29-year-old will wear the Proteas captain’s armband in the three-game T20 series against Pakistan.
Despite being his first leadership role on the national team, Klaasen has been a senior member and led the Titans and Tshwane Spartans for the past several seasons.
“For me, coming in as captain, I’m looking forward to this challenge,” said Klaasen.
“It’s nothing new to me, I’ve been captaining my franchise team for the last two seasons. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll see what I can do.”
The first T20 is Thursday at 12:30 pm SA.
Proteas T20 Team to Pakistan:
Heinrich Klaasen (Captain, Titans), Nandre Burger (Cape Cobras), Okuhle Cele (Titans), Junior Dala (Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), George Linde (Cape Cobras), Janneman Malan (Cape Cobras), David Miller (Dolphins), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (Lions), Ryan Rickleton (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors), Pite van Biljon (Knights), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Jacques Snyman (Knights).
Pakistan vs. Proteas T20 series:
February 11 – 1st T20 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (12:30 PM SA)
February 13 – Q2 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (12:30 PM SA)
February 14 – 3rd T20 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (12:30 PM SA)
