Temba Bavuma and his South Africa teammates have given an insight into the Proteas’ preparations for the T20 World Cup, with a peak behind the curtain into what goes on both on and off the field.

Bavuma explained how South Africa’s past greats give an example to follow when practicing.

“I draw a lot of inspiration from [Hashim] Amla, particularly,” he told BetWay before the Proteas’ opener against Australia. “He is similar to me as a player, too, in the sense that he wasn’t considered a classic T20 player but remodelled his game.

“Playing with these guys and watching them prepare has given me great experience to pass onto the rest of the squad. I might prepare like Amla, for example, but someone like David Miller, who comes in at the back end of the innings, may prepare like [AB] de Villiers.”

Rassie van der Dussen discussed how switching off when not practicing is just as important as being completely focussed when practicing. “You put in all the hours that you need to, and then on game night it’s pretty intense,” he said. “I get my practise done and then mentally switch off so that next time I’m on the field my mind is 100 per cent ready to go.”

Van der Dussen says he is “in between series” to binge-watch, with the bio-secure bubble limiting relaxation options, but only somewhat.

“We do spend a lot of time in the room, but we have a big TV and a lovely living space,” he said. “You’ve got to keep active, obviously. I’ve got lots of fitness toys to play with and there are facilities in the hotel.”

While van der Dussen might spend plenty of time watching the likes of Friends, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj keeps himself busy much in the manner of one of the show’s main characters, cleaning-obsessed Monica Geller.

“There are a lot of differences so I work hard to make myself feel as at home as possible,” he said. “I am a very clean and tidy person. I like neatness. There’s nothing worse than an untidy room and scruffy sheets. It really drives me mad. With no cleaners coming into the rooms I spend time making myself more comfortable by keeping my room in check.”

South Africa have generally adapted well to the challenges of cricket in the time of Covid-19, beating West Indies and Sri Lanka in a pair of Test series and competing well in Pakistan. While they are without an ODI series win since the start of 2020, they have bounced back from three consecutive T20I series defeats to win three rubbers in a row, including downing defending world champions West Indies 3-2 in the Caribbean.

“We’ve had a good year,” said van der Dussen. “We’ve been in different conditions and we’ve adapted really well. A year ago we were certainly less experienced. We’re in a good place now.”

South Africa have won one and lost one at the T20 World Cup so far.