We are going to feel Morne's absence more than anything when it comes to his durability. We simply can't play Dale in a four man attack. I don't care how fit he feels, the injury record just isn't good. Gotta get that fifth bowler in. Philander can bat at 7 against certain opponents, but I'd like Mulder in there. And it will obviously lengthen Philanders career.
When forming attacks having durable long-spell bowlers is often forgotten. Being able to look after KG, Steyn & Vern will have to be considered like you say. Won't be easy.
I do think Klaasen is the the perfect reserve if he isn't in the top 6 by the world cup. Can cover top-order, middle-order and keeping.
I think that Markram, QDK, DeVillers and Klaasens give power in top 6, with Morris and Andile giving a bit of extra hitting. With Amla, Faf primary anchors. Ajob which ABdV and Markram can also do. I am a believer in game situation determining who comes in next... if we 25 overs in and lose first wicket then I expect deVillers to come in, in first 15 overs then Amla. Faf has shown he has enough of a power game to bat 5, but if we lose 2 quick wickets in first ten then faf could come in at 4. QDK's and Klaasens primary job being to give impetus to the innings. I believe in giving players roles and making sure that they get in to fulfill those roles as often as possible, rather than stick to a ridgid batting line-up.
I would like Markram to open because he is aggressive, and 2 aggressive opening players can give a great quick start (not that Amla has done badly but he is also not the player he was)... if we lose one early Amla still gets a chance to bat power-play and hold the innings together. If the openers maintain their wickets, then ABdV comes in. I`m not against Amla opening and Markram at 3, but this again goes to my point what are you looking for from each player. I want Markram to play an aggressive role and Amla to play a stabilizing role. You don't need stabilization until you start losing wickets. If Amla gets out as an opener and Markram comes in then he has to become a more stabilizing player, rather than an aggressive batsmen I think he should play as.... I want clearly defined roles for the players with a semi-flexible line up. I think a big problem with SA batting is the wrong players playing the wrong roles at the wrong times. eg. QDK should in general, not be having to stabilize an innings, he should be playing freely.
I follow the logic, but I think Amla is too much of a niche player to go with it. With him opening, he provides quick scoring and stability at the start and stability in the middle. Drop him down the order and you just get stability. Career wise I think he probably scores quicker in than qdk in the power play- similar strikerates, but qdk accelerates and Amla doesn't. He's fading a bit, but I'd rather see him open until he retires.
My point, we don't want him having to think about keeping his wicket... this is just my opinion.
We are fully aware of what Markram and Klaasens are capable of... Markram is an allround player, but I would give him a role as an aggresive opner that needs to not worry about stabilizing the team, he can take that role on in 3/4 years time. Klaasens is a power hitter, it is why he is being chosen. He can bat top order but we have enough of those.
Markram is pure class.... he will be a mainstay for SA going into the future, regardless of format. Expect him to become our no 3/4 long term.
I'm hoping for a lot from him too, and he really does look top drawer. Still, a lot of players who look great don't crack it- it's too early to rely on him having a great career
Not in this case... he is not just a good player, playing well.... he is a classy, showing his class.
