Gibson’s Cup plans fall foul of injuries to key players
INJURIES have delayed the Proteas’ plans of giving their full World Cup squad a run in the One-Day series against Pakistan starting next week, but there’s no panic from coach Ottis Gibson, as the opportunity to give some new faces a go might prove useful.
The injuries to Lungi Ngidi (knee), JP Duminy (shoulder) and Wiaan Mulder (ankle) have upset some of Gibson, the selectors and Faf du Plessis’ plans.
Ngidi is still a month away from playing according to Gibson, Duminy a few weeks, while Mulder has just returned for the Highveld Lions and has played in the franchise’s last two matches.
“I was hoping to play – if everyone had been fit – the team that is as close to the group of guys who will go to the World Cup,” said Gibson yesterday, after South Africa had wrapped up a 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan in the Tests.
“But that opportunity isn’t here at the minute and hopefully that will happen when Sri Lanka get here.”
South Africa face Pakistan in a five-match One-Day series starting in Port Elizabeth on Saturday with the World Cup in England later this year very much the focus.
Somewhat surprisingly Aiden Markram was left out of the squad named last week for the first two matches of the series, as the selectors sought to cast their eyes over Rassie van der Dussen.
The Lions right hander has been in outstanding form across all the formats for the last two seasons.
He topped the run scoring list in the four-day competition last season and was the leading run-scorer in Mzansi Super League recently.
“Rassie is in form. He’s made a strong name for himself where ever he has played and the general consensus is to pick a guy while he is hot.
“His fire is burning quite brightly right now,” said Gibson.
Van der Dussen made his international debut earlier this season, playing in two T20 matches against Zimbabwe and scoring a halfcentury in his first match.
Markram, who played superbly in the second and third Tests against Pakistan, will come into the reckoning for the last three ODIs against Pakistan.
“He’s in good form, we know what he can do and it will make sense for him to play later in the series,” Gibson added.
Of particular interest in that Pakistan series will be the on-going quest to find someone to fill the no.7 spot in the batting order.
Gibson and Du Plessis want a batting all-rounder to occupy that position, with Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius getting an opportunity in the first two games.
With Mulder coming back to full fitness and playing the four-day competition for the Lions at the moment, he may be considered for the last three matches as well, while Chris Morris also remains on the selectors’ radar.