George Linde looking to step up his case to represent the Proteas at a World Cup
15th July 2025
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George Linde wants to use the ongoing tri-series in Harare to push his case to represent the Proteas at next year's T20 World Cup in India.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has already said that the trio of spinner on tour - Linde, Nqaba Peter and Senuran Muthusamy - have the inside to to cracking the squad for the global tournament.
Linde certainly laid down a marker in the series opener at the Harare Sports Club, returning figures of 3-10 in three overs in a five-wicket victory against host nation Zimbabwe on Monday.
Peter also impressed, taking 1-22 in his three overs, in a solid start to the series for the Proteas, who now face New Zealand at the same venue on Wednesday.
With Conrad's backing, Linde feels he can now play with freedom that will bring the best our of him.
"We had a good conversation a month or two ago," Linde said of talks with Conrad. "It was positive, and he did say he wants me to be part of this T20 squad, and then we'll take things from there.
"I told him I want to play for South Africa, I want to make myself available and I want to give myself the best chance to play for South Africa.
"It gives you a little bit more confidence. You can play with a little bit more freedom. But I still don't really think too far ahead. I'm just trying to focus on the process now and take it game by game.
"Look, if I don't do well and Shuks decides no, I'm not the guy for him, then so be it.
"I'm just trying to do my best, and if I do well and I'm on that plane to the World Cup, happy days. It's always been a dream of mine to represent South Africa in the World Cup."
With the second clash of the tri-series against the Black Caps, the Proteas will come against former head coach Rob Walter, who Conrad replaced as national white-ball mentor.
Linde does not believe Walter's influence will be felt much during the clash or the rest of the series.
The left-arm spinner added: "Most of the guys are resting, well-deserved rest after the Test Championship. There are a lot of fresh faces, guys who want to do well for the Proteas and make their mark on the side."
