South Africa team selection

[Dendarii]

Yeah, I'm also not convinced that De Kock should be captain and keeper in tests. If he's not keeping then it's not as much of a concern, but I still wonder whether someone else might be a better choice for tests. The problem is that there's no obvious choice, but I'd be inclined to give it to Markram.

 

[Bahseph]

Are they going to make him keep,bat and captain? Yikes.

 

[StephenZA]

I think Elgar should be captain for now. But I don't actually think QDK is captaining, as I've said, he seems to be just following instructions.

 

[Heboric]

First Test Tour to Pakistan in 1997/98
1:32 for some GOLD

That Symcox non-dismissal . What were those wickets made out of ?

Going by the highlights everybody was commentating for that match, a whos who of commentating. When Quirk was on I swear I could hear the tinkle of gin glasses

 

[TT Boy]

This game was a laugh. Remember following it at university in a lab and couldn't believe what was happening.

 

[SeamUp]

That Symcox non-dismissal . What were those wickets made out of ?

Going by the highlights everybody was commentating for that match, a whos who of commentating. When Quirk was on I swear I could hear the tinkle of gin glasses

I will never forget groundsman were trying to sabotage the pitch during one of the test matches in that series.

Good old Quirk. Who are the other comms ? Shastri & Blofeld ?

 

[SeamUp]

I guess we will see tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1336651412126756867

 

[SeamUp]

Not sure how we can even announce a squad when Sri Lanka are doubtful of coming still.

 

[Dendarii]

I can't read this because it's behind a paywall, and it could just be speculation, but the headline and opening paragraph suggest that one of the openers might be captain.

https://www.news24.com/sport/cricke...ve-role-in-proteas-test-captain-race-20201210

 

[SeamUp]

Good news. Sri Lanka is happening.

There has been more drama amongst the interim board in recent days but let's enjoy the good news.

 

[SeamUp]

So what we got 2 tests v Sri Lanka, 2 v Pakistan and 2 v Australia with a possible further 2 if they catch up the Windies series.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1337029820870500353

 

[Pup Clarke]

Steyn's latest hairstyle is pretty wild. Kinda matches his recent exploits with the ball haha. We had the cropped short back and sides look when he was dominating batting line-ups from the late 00s to the mid 10s - such a consistent and potent test match bowler he was!

 

[SeamUp]

QdK captain

Erwee, Petersen, Verreynne, Stuurman all uncapped

Some good additions like Mulder

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1337314258917466114

 

[Bahseph]

So realistically we will see:
1. Elgar
2. Markram
3. Rassie
4. Faf du Plessis
5. Bavuma
6. Mulder
7. QDK
8. Keshav
9. Nortje
10. Ngidi
11. Hendricks

 

[SeamUp]

I reckon so.

Erwee, Petersen, Verreynne all uncapped. Unless they don't want QdK to keep that should be the top 7.

So only Stuurman as back up bowler.

 

[Bahseph]

I like that Mulder is back. And that Malan has been replaced with Markram. I'm not happy about Bavuma being there. Still just the one hundred.

 

[Dendarii]

So realistically we will see:
1. Elgar
2. Markram
3. Rassie
4. Faf du Plessis
5. Bavuma
6. Mulder
7. QDK
8. Keshav
9. Nortje
10. Ngidi
11. Hendricks

Faf is the main concern for me in that line-up (well Bavuma too, but we all know why he's there). He's proved that he can still cut it in the shorter format, but his last test outing wasn't great.

So I wonder whether it would be a better option to bring Petersen for Faf and have him bat at 3, since he is a 3 and I don't think Rassie usually bats there. That would also make the politicians a bit happier, which as much as we don't like it, is something we do have to consider when picking a South African side.

 

[Dendarii]

And that Malan has been replaced with Markram.

Malan was an injury replacement for Markram, so It's more a case of Markram returning and Malan being replaced with Erwee. Erwee is only a few months younger than Malan, so not a long-term selection, but he's the form opener at the moment (after Markram), so it's not unreasonable to pick him as a backup.

 

[StephenZA]

I am surprised at the Erwee for Malan replacement. Erwee done nothing amazing and Malan done nothing wrong.

I would not mind Stuurman in place of Hendricks in the team. Not a big fan of Hendricks and Stuurman has become very much a like replacement for Philander (bowling wise). No Linde is also disappointing. I am also surprised at the small size of the squad considering that there is meant to be a strict bio-bubble. Can't just call people in from outside easily?

 

[Heboric]

QdK captain

Erwee, Petersen, Verreynne, Stuurman all uncapped

Some good additions like Mulder

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1337314258917466114

I really thought Faf retired from Test cricket, jeepers my old age is catching up to me