South Africa

South Africa’s cricket has been reeling from several crises in the past few years, and several players have left the country or retired prematurely. A good example is AB de Villiers, who still plays franchise league. Faf du Plessis was the second top run-scorer for IPL champions Chennai Super Kings.

Imran Tahir and Chris Morris have been left out as South Africa chose to bank on youngsters. Players who signed the Kolpak deal became ineligible to play for South Africa, including David Weise, who now plays for Namibia, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell and Rilee Rossouw.

Despite the troubles, the Proteas possess one of the best pace attacks with Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, supported by spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. The left-arm wrist spinner Shamsi has passed the fitness test from the groin strain and his presence, in the absence of Tahir, will be a big boost to the Proteas’ fortunes in the opener against Australia today.

But the batting is frail and dependent on Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma and David Miller.

South Africa have not fared well in the ICC events, and that’s unlikely to change despite the record-equalling seven consecutive Twenty20 wins, including series victories against Sri Lanka, West Indies and Ireland. Maybe less expectations will ease pressure on the Proteas, who are rebuilding the team.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Keshav Maharaj, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, W Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.

Coach: Mark Boucher

Star players: Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada

Best finish: Semi-finals (2009, 2014)