As South Africa prepares to prepare its team for the men’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we look at a number of issues that selectors may need to address.
South Africa had a decent run in the run-up to the marquee event, defeating Pakistan and Sri Lanka in successive series at home. However, there are still some issues that management must address as they prepare to report to the squad on Thursday, April 18. We look at what that could be. Do they have to say
South Africa has to contend with its opening pair in ODI Cricket. Quinton de Kock has been very rich in form lately and seems to be a guaranteed starter at the top of the World Series, but who should be his own opener?
Hashim Amla has had some problems in the recent past, Aiden Markram has shown promise but was inconsistent while Reeza Hendricks did much better in the middle order.
South Africa has always had a lot of talents talents in the country and they have a big problem again. Kagiso Rabada seems to be certain in the XI and Andile Phehlukwayo was also a regular in the team.
Other options are Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Dwaine Pretorius. South Africa may not want more than two other pacemakers to keep its balance.
Imran Tahir has been one of South Africa’s most enduring artists lately. Since the 2015 World Cup he has picked up 27,46 92 wickets with a saving rate well below five. He’s likely to be an integral part of the entire World Cup in South Africa’s XI, but South Africa may need another frontline spinner, not just as a backup, but also in case he has to play two slower bowlers in a field that demands it.
Heinrich Klaasen has blown hot and cold in his young international career. He scored only 251 runs at 22,81 in 14 ODIs but has the opportunity to beat the ball clean and is a full time wicket keeper.
He was not selected by the South African squad against Sri Lanka for his final ODI series, but in the event of de Kock’s injury South Africa may need a wicket keeper.
Although South Africa is a respectable No. 4 in the MRF Tires ICC ODI Team Rankings, South Africa is, by way of exception, not considered one of the top contenders for the World Cup.
England, India and even Australia received the “Favorite” day to some extent instead of the sudden resurgence. This could free the South African players from the expected load.
