Boucher calls for his players 'to put their hands up' in build-up to T20WC

South Africa's heavy 107-run defeat in the first T20I against Australia in Johannesburg was reflective of their lack of consistency in recent months. That the drubbing came after they had made three changes to the squad that featured in the closely fought series against England earlier this month, with two of their experienced men in Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada returning to the fold, only adds to those concerns.

With the T20 World Cup just about eight months away, their head coach wants his wards to realise the need to step up on a consistent basis if they are to have a settled core in the lead-up to the marquee tournament.

"There are certain places up for grabs and with guys getting opportunities, it's important that they take them now," said Boucher, who himself featured in three ODI World Cups and as many editions of the T20 version during his 14-year-long international career for South Africa.

"A month or so before the World Cup we want to have our minds made up on who we want to take as a 15-man squad. It's difficult for players to make a name for themselves a month before the tournament. Now is the time that players need to put their hands up and stake a claim for positions."

The former keeper-batsman was especially critical of the poor bowling effort in the series opener, which saw Australia put up 196-6 after having lost the toss. "Our lines and lengths were really bad. It's not like they were running down the wicket and taking us on. We were giving them boundary options."

Before the start of the series, Boucher had hinted a strong possibility of the return of star batsman and former captain AB de Villiers to the fold. They also have the experience and quality of Chris Morris, who's waiting on the sidelines after showing his all-round skills at the Mzansi Super League at home and then in the Big Bash League in Australia. Their comeback would leave South Africa with more options to choose from, adding further uncertainty.

"It's not the end of the world - losing one game of T20 cricket," Boucher continued. "Yes, we are going to have to shape up quite a bit in the next week but there is also a plan going through to the next World Cup.

"We don't quite know what our combinations are going to be. We are waiting for guys to step up."