Kirsten: Lack of expectation will benefit Proteas

Cape Town - Former Proteas coach Gary Kirsten believes that the lack of expectation surrounding South Africa at this year's Cricket World Cup will benefit them. 

Kirsten, who coached the Proteas from 2011 to 2013, was also head coach of the Indian side that won the World Cup in 2011. 

Speaking to the Mumbai Mirror, the 51-year-old opened up on South Africa's disappointing history at the World Cup and their chances in 2019. 

"There is no doubt that the South African team has under-performed in previous World Cup knockout matches," Kirsten is quoted as saying. 

"They are not the first professional sports team to experience this and will certainly not be the last.

"There will be far less expectation placed on them for this year's World Cup and I believe this will benefit the team and hopefully free the players up to reach their potential."

The Proteas begin their 2019 campaign when they take on hosts and tournament favourites England at The Oval on May 30.