South Africa’s squad for this month’s thrilling three-match T20I series against India looks well put together, despite the absence of some rested stars.
While legends like Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir would undoubtedly add extra firepower with the bat and ball, the current strategy to give fresh talent their shot is exciting and necessary.
This presents an amazing opportunity for players like Tabraiz Shamsi and Farhaan Behardien to shut down their critics with standout performances. Meanwhile, Christiaan Jonker and Junior Dala will be stepping onto the international stage for the very first time, against a formidable Indian side. It’s also prime time for Reeza Hendricks to make his mark, and the selectors were spot on recalling Jon-Jon Smuts for the squad.
Jonker’s selection is certainly intriguing. Despite a modest run tally of 290 runs in 10 innings during the 2017 Ram Slam T20 Challenge, his impressive strike rate of 144.27 speaks volumes. Although his recent appearances for the Warriors in the Momentum One Day Cup were limited with a low return, at 31, this could very well be his defining moment in green and gold.
On the other hand, 30-something veteran Robbie Frylinck has already been let go after just two T20Is against Bangladesh, highlighting the ruthless nature of T20 selection.
With Beuran Hendricks and Dwaine Pretorius out, Dane Paterson is set to lead the seam attack. It’s a lot of responsibility for a bowler with only five T20Is and three ODIs under his belt. Faf du Plessis was critical of Chris Morris’s consistency for Tests, but Morris seems to be cementing his place in the T20 unit.
Junior Dala’s long-awaited debut is promising — his unique bowling action and genuine pace could really rattle the Indian batsmen, especially in venues like Johannesburg where conditions might play to his strengths.
Though the South African A XI facing Australia didn’t get much spotlight, Pieter Malan’s inclusion deserves applause. Topping domestic run charts in the Sunfoil Series and Momentum One Day Cup, he exemplifies hard work and merit-based progression.
Note: These thoughts reflect the author’s personal views and do not represent those of Hollywoodbets.
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