Hashim and Co set to add a first-class touch to this season’s four-day competition
ALTHOUGH South Africa’s domestic T20 Challenge competition is drawing to a fascinating conclusion this week with the final set for Centurion on Saturday, the expectation ahead of the start of the first-class season has not been this high in years.
In recent years, the Proteas’ world No 1 Test squad was a closed shop. It was usually a routine exercise selecting the players, with only selective tactical changes made on occasion. However, due to Hashim Amla’s team having just returned from a 3-0 drubbing in India and the old enemy, England, lurking around the corner, there are plenty of places to play for in the South African squad at the moment.
Proteas coach Russell Domingo has warned the national selection panel, headed by convenor Linda Zondi, against making “irrational decisions” and that he would “hate us to panic” when the squad for the four-match series against England gets announced later this week.
Despite Domingo’s concerns, though, there are likely to be “one or two changes” for the first Test on Boxing Day in Durban, The Cape Sports Hub has a brand-new Twitter handle: @IndyCapeSport It will include unique online sports coverage, eg. breaking sports news, live-tweeting, results, videos, photos and more. So, for the latest in the world of sport, follow @IndyCapeSport on Twitter. while there could be further shuffling for the next three Tests should a player, specifically a batsman, make an immense statement during the first round of the Sunfoil Series.
The competition gets underway next Thursday when the Cape Cobras host the Knights at Newlands, the Dolphins travel to Johannesburg to face the Highveld Lions, and the Titans and the Warriors lock horns at SuperSport Park.
The extra significance of these fixtures will be the presence of the majority of the Proteas players who travelled to India. It is believed that Test captain Amla, JP Duminy, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas and Dane Piedt could be playing for the Cobras at Newlands in preparation for the Boxing Day Test, although it has not yet been decided whether Dale Steyn will continue his rehabilitation with a bowl in a competitive match.
Steyn has not played since the first innings of the first Test in Mohali last month when he sustained a groin injury. Fellow Test opening bowler Vernon Philander cannot be considered for selection as he is still hobbling around with an ankle brace, and is currently visiting Cobras physiotherapist Shane Jabaar for treatment.
Amla, though, will be playing in his maiden four-day match for the Cobras since joining the Western Cape franchise two seasons ago from his native KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins.
Likewise, the Titans could have Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock in their line-up, although lanky fast bowler Morné Morkel deserves a rest after his impressive performances in leading the Proteas attack in the absence of Steyn and Philander.
De Kock was not part of the Test squad having returned home from India after the ODI series, but the young wicketkeeper is expected to be recalled to the Test set-up shortly.
Fellow Test squad members like Dolphins seamer Kyle Abbott should also welcome the extra playing days, while batsman Temba Bavuma could possibly also stride out for the Lions.
Cricket SA is set to confirm the players’ availability for their respective franchises later this week.