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In theory the upcoming test series could be a classic but as a serious and knowledgeable cricket fan of many years standing, I’m concerned that political correctness (read window dressing) in the CSA structures in South African cricket is going to overrule pure cricket issues and drop the ball when selecting a team (sans Kallis) for the upcoming 3 test series against the Aussies.
Bottom line is that De Villiers* should move up to no 4 with no wicketkeeping duty, since his injured hand may not heal fully, which allows for De Kock to be included and simultaneously strengthen the batting in at no 6 and keeps wicket in place of AB. The inclusion of McLaren as a decent seamer all-rounder batting at no 8 will offset to some extent the loss of giant Kallis from the side. Unfortunately Duminy has suffered a loss of batting form and his spin bowling is not in Peterson’s class, also Peterson can bat a bit at no 7, so Peterson comes in as our spinner. This selection creates 2 all-rounders at 7 and 8 respectively to strengthen the batting down to no 8 or even no 9 with the obvious inclusion of Philander!
Rumour has it that Thami Tsolekile is going to be in the test side (his test batting average is 9.40!!) – well I can guarantee the Aussies will kill SA’s test side with such illogical selections. Sadly should this be true then SA are going to go down against Australia in the test series.
Unless there’s an inspired selection panel!
This is my team selection: Smith ©, Petersen, Amla, De Villiers*, Du Plessis, De Kock*, Peterson, McLaren, Philander, Steyn and Morkel (12th man Parnell/Duminy)
Bottom line is that De Villiers* should move up to no 4 with no wicketkeeping duty, since his injured hand may not heal fully, which allows for De Kock to be included and simultaneously strengthen the batting in at no 6 and keeps wicket in place of AB. The inclusion of McLaren as a decent seamer all-rounder batting at no 8 will offset to some extent the loss of giant Kallis from the side. Unfortunately Duminy has suffered a loss of batting form and his spin bowling is not in Peterson’s class, also Peterson can bat a bit at no 7, so Peterson comes in as our spinner. This selection creates 2 all-rounders at 7 and 8 respectively to strengthen the batting down to no 8 or even no 9 with the obvious inclusion of Philander!
Rumour has it that Thami Tsolekile is going to be in the test side (his test batting average is 9.40!!) – well I can guarantee the Aussies will kill SA’s test side with such illogical selections. Sadly should this be true then SA are going to go down against Australia in the test series.
Unless there’s an inspired selection panel!
This is my team selection: Smith ©, Petersen, Amla, De Villiers*, Du Plessis, De Kock*, Peterson, McLaren, Philander, Steyn and Morkel (12th man Parnell/Duminy)
