Selection headache for Proteas selectors

Linda Zondi and his selection panel will face exactly that conundrum when they pick South Africa’s starting team for the first Test against Australia in Perth beginning on November 3.

Linda Zondi and his selection panel will face exactly that conundrum when they pick South Africa’s starting team for the first Test against Australia in Perth beginning on November 3.

The three are: captain AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, who filled in as skipper against New Zealand and JP Duminy, a senior player, who restored some lost confidence with a solid innings of 88 in the first innings of the Centurion Test. The batting spots available in the starting XI are just two, assuming Dean Elgar is fit, as is expected and takes up his place at the top of the order with Stephen Cook.

“It’s a good thing when there’s that kind of competition,” said Du Plessis after the victory against New Zealand. “You want guys competing for spots because it makes the Proteas stronger.”

De Villiers, said Du Plessis, ‘walks straight back into the team,’ which naturally puts his own place in jeopardy. Coming into the Centurion Test, Du Plessis and Duminy were under pressure. They were both dropped from the starting team during the series against England last season - Duminy for the Cape Town Test and Du Plessis for the final match at Centurion - an illustration of how their poor form left the selectors befuddled.

Given he’s got a 100 next to his name after the Test at SuperSort Park, perhaps Du Plessis has his nose in front at this stage. However, other matters could force the selectors to assess Duminy, pictured, more closely.

Those may relate to the make-up of the bowling unit. With Morne Morkel also expected to be fit for Australia, consideration will have to be given to utilising a four-pronged pace attack. That would mean no place for Dane Piedt’s off-spin, but to retain more than just Elgar’s left-arm slow bowling in the starting team, Duminy’s off-spinning credentials will bear some deliberation.

It is a good problem to have of course - players fit and in form as opposed to last season. Even Dale Steyn, despite his efforts at Centurion, doesn’t feel his spot is secure.

“You can’t sit back and feel I’m in this side.! I’m most definitely not in this side - I can’t make the ODI side at the moment - it’s not a given anymore,” said Steyn. “Players step into the side and perform well, everybody needs to be upping their game all the time.” - The Star