South Africa has never had so many bowlers who have the ability to challenge the 150 km/h mark at will. Walter’s main headache will be picking his bowlers rather than his batters. With the batters, there is already an understanding and identity.
Over the years, the Proteas have struggled to find the right fire power with the bat. The team had big hitters and players who could accelerate. The current batters that the Proteas white ball coach Rob Walter has to pick from is a different breed. Walter has a chance to ensure his batting line-up has no weaknesses.
While there will be people disappointed that their favourite players may not get chosen, the current Proteas team has the potential to do the job and win the ICC T20 World Cup in June/July.
Walter’s and his team of selectors led by CSA Director Enoch Nkwe only have Kagiso Rabada and Tabriaz Shamsi as assured bowlers going to the World Cup.
Ottniel Baartman was great in the SA20, especially as a specialist death bowler, and that is something South Africa has lacked. Lizaad Williams could easily put his case as well, and his pace has increased over the season. He has an IPL contract. South Africa has a number of bowlers in the IPL like Nandre Burger, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, and Anrich Nortje.
Each bowler brings something different even though they are all quick. Anrich has been one of the best performing South African bowlers since Dale Steyn retired. Dropping him could be like India dropping Jasprit Bumrah because his coming from injury.
At the same time, Gerald has taken the role of being South Africa’s enforcer well in the absence of Anrich. Gerald was the Proteas’ most successful wicket taker at the World Cup in 2023. The young bowler has the confidence and pace of Anrich.
Marco was the SA20 leading wicket taker and was doing well in the CSA T20 Challenge before joining Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Marco is not getting game time in the IPL, but what he brings to the Proteas team is unique. He is a tall left arm seamer who bowls at an awkward length to the batters. Marco’s value in the Proteas is appreciated due to his batting ability.
Nandre Burger can’t be denied an opportunity, he not only bowls regularly above 150 km/h, but he does it as a left-arm bowler. There are not many bowlers like him in world cricket at the moment.
Then there is Wiaan Mulder, and he has the Marcus Stoinis effect on a team. Wiaan is great as a finisher and middle-order batter in T20. With the ball, he can be effective, especially when he is well managed.
Lungi Ngidi had a decent showing in the CSA T20 Challenge as he has continued his rehabilitation and make his way back to full fitness. The thing about Lungi is that he has the best changeups in the South African team. He has learned well from the West Indian legend Dwayne Bravo. With Lungi, his confidence will be key.
From the outside, Kwena Maphaka can not be excluded from the conversation. Kwena started the Lions charge to winning the CSA T20 Challenge. The young bowler was good, but with Nandre and Marco, the Proteas coaching staff may feel well covered and give the young bowler some time to develop his game before taking him to the World Cup.
When it comes to spinners, it may be a different case. South Africa has come to know Nqaba Peter, the 21 year old leg spinner who made a name for himself in the CSA T20 Challenge. The only reason Walter’s may consider Nqaba is because he is a leg spinner. While the Proteas have a wrist spinner in Tabriaz Shamsi, Nqaba, unlike Tabriaz, is a right arm wrist spinner, unlike Tabriaz, who is a left arm wrist spinner. Nqaba has been very accurate in the CSA T20 Challenge, and his style has been likened to that of Rashid Khan and Adil Rashid. He bowls his leg spin flat and quickly, including his wrist spin. The question would be: Is Rob brave enough to pick an inexperienced bowler, which is an unlike South African thing to do. South African coaches have been very conservative over the years, but there is nothing conservative about this team. If Nqaba does not make the 15, he should make it as a traveling reserve because he will be good practice for the batters
The big pick will be between Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin. Keshav is economical and brings leadership qualities into a setup. Bjorn, after winning the CSA T20 Challenge as a captain, has proven his leadership credentials as well. Bjorn is great in the powerplay and death overs as well. Bjorn’s athletic ability can not be denied as he is one of the best fielders in South Africa. With the bat, Keshav and Bjorn are relatively the same. Bjorn in the SA20 was just more economical, but Keshav had more wickets. In a 50 over match, probably Keshav is in front of Bjorn by a mile, but Bjorn is a better T20 player.
Walter has to disappoint someone and ultimately not the whole of South Africa will be happy but Walter just needs to ensure the squad is strong, respects the flag and badge of South Africa and lastly it complements each other. Ego’s bring home no trophies, individuals win no trophies.
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