SA test World Cup plans

SOUTH Africa will take on Sri Lanka in the third oneday international at Kingsmead on Sunday. Having started the series in style, with a comprehensive victory in Johannesburg, the Proteas are now heading down to the coast, looking to finalise their World Cup plans. South Africa were dealt a shock recently, with the announcement by Duanne Olivier that he would be taking a Kolpak deal with Yorkshire. Olivier had been central to Test plans this summer, and looked like an outside bet to be handed an opportunity in limited-overs cricket. Despite that setback, South Africa have moved onto their final ODI series before the 2019 World Cup, and they do so with some interesting choices to make over the next few weeks. The form of some key batsmen has been a concern, and both Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla have been sent back to domestic cricket. Markram has responded in terrific style, with backto-back centuries for the Titans. Amla has been quieter, and will need a reassuring performance before the ODI squad for the final two matches of the series is announced. Durban, being the middling venue, will see South Africa looking to exact a small token of revenge for the loss in the Test recently. The Proteas have a happier time of it in one-day cricket at Kingsmead, as does all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. The Durban native has a habit of putting up excellent performances for his country on his home ground, and he will want that to continue. His last outing, against Pakistan, saw him notch a career-best score, and take wickets in a much-needed victory. South Africa could well have a chance to wrap up the series in Durban, if all goes well at Centurion tonight. Should that happen, the onus then shifts to sorting out the question marks within the squad for the World Cup. There is much debate about some combinations, and South African selectors will have a job on their hands before April. There are some big performances coming out of the Momentum One-day Cup, and they may be irresistible to ignore. By the time the Proteas name their squad in mid-April, all the questions swirling around must be answered. The Proteas play the opening game of the tournament against England on May 30, so time is of the essence. - Sports Reporter.