StephenZA
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
Kuhn did deserve the chance. But our opening partnership has been a problem for to long, we need to put a talented player like Markram in hope for the best and help him work on his technique. At least we will be certain of say the next 12/18 months of what our opening partnership will be regardless of anything else.Kuhn deserved the chance but when you that age you need to hit the ground running like Cook did and unfortunately he just hasn't looked like being able to keep the good one's out when he has got them. That sounds harsh but to be a success at this level you need to do that every so often
So we know where Markram fits in. Where does QdK, Bavuma and presuming Theunis fit in, in the order ? In SA we probably will only need 4 bowlers so you assume Theunis comes in. Unless they worried about Vern's workload. QdK at 4 probably deserves more opportunity but it is possibly 1/2 spots too high for his position.
My concern right now is still the batting. Only Windies/Zimbabwe have averaged less as a top 7 in last year. Still no century this series and how many centuries in our last 10 tests ?
Firdose's article for our debate.
SA need to scratch their opener itch - ESPN Cricinfo
In a strange way I would not mind Bavuma in our top 3, he has a simple compact technique and leaves the ball well. Most often he is getting out when he does because he drives at balls to far outside his reach, when he feels the need to accelerate. If he came in the top 3 then he will be asked to take the shine off the ball rather than score runs quickly. That could allow us to have Bavuma/Amla/Faf 3/4/5 ? QDK at 6. Problem is 7 because I want to play the extra bat rather than Morris, but de Bruyn is much to low at 7. Which then puts QDK at 7 and that puts probably our best and most aggressive bat at 7. None of this is easy, it will have to be done inside the camp because they will understand the players the best and how they cope with the different positions.
Saying all that, QDK at 4 if we can sort out the top 3 would be fantastic he could really take control of the game from that position. Maybe a bit of flexibilty? with Bavuma or Faf coming in if we lose early quick wickets. But there seems to be a great emphasis on players knowing their positions...
I can say that I am a fan of 6 bats, wk, 4 bowlers. If your wk can bat top 6 then a batting allrounder at 7 is ideal. Hence I would be really excited for Smith and/or Mulder to come along sooner rather than later.
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