South Africa named their squad for the World Test Championship final yesterday (May 13).
Injuries were a significant barrier for South Africa in selecting the squad, with fast-bowlers Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee both out of action. Kagiso Rabada was named in the squad, having served his one month suspension for recreational drug use, while teenage pace sensation Kwena Mapahaka missed out.
South Africa WTC final squad: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne
With preparations now in full swing for the final following the squad announcement, head coach Shukri Conrad faces a couple of dilemmas when selecting his final XI.
Batting balance
Speaking after the squad announcement, Conrad confirmed that Ryan Rickelton will open the batting with Aiden Markram. Rickleton scored a double-century against Pakistan earlier this year, having scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka last December. Conrad also confirmed that Tony de Zorzi will bat at three, but emphasised that conditions would determine whether all-rounder Wiaan Mulder would find a spot in the side.
Mulder was promoted to No.3 against Sri Lanka after he broke his finger in the first innings of the first Test. He was retained in that position when fit again for the first Test against Pakistan, making 26 in South Africa's first innings score of 615. However, Conrad hinted there could be a continuation for Mulder up the order, allowing the Proteas to field a frontline bowler in their top-order.
“Wiaan batting at three was not an experiment,” said Conrad.“He’s technically sound enough to bat at that position... Whether he [Mulder] slots in the middle order, I think conditions will determine all of that.”
David Bedingham is also set to retain his role in the middle-order having recovered from a toe injury to feature for Durham in the County Championship. Tristan Stubbs has also been named in the squad and is set at No.4. If Mulder doesn't get a look in up the order, however, how South Africa find balance with an allrounder will be a concern, with wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne taking up the No.7 position.
Third pacer
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will be South Africa's first two quicks for the final, but with Nortje and Coetzee both out, there are opportunities for at least one more pacer to come in, with six included in the squad. Temba Bavuma was positive about what Lungi Ngidi, who is in the squad having not played a Test since August last year, could bring to the attack.
“I think Lungi gives you experience; he’s played in those conditions. I mean, Lungi’s been around,” said Bavuma shortly after the squad announcement. “With Lungi, from what I’ve seen, captaining him, you know what you’re going to get, whether he’s played for six months or he hasn’t played for six months. If you have a motivated, fit Lungi, you know what you’re going to get.”
Another option for South Africa as a third pacer would be Corbin Bosch, who took five wickets in his maiden and so far only Test match against Pakistan last year, as well as scoring an unbeaten 81 from No.9. Veteran pacer Dane Paterson is also in the group as a potential option.
Predicted South Africa XI for WTC final: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedhingham, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
