South Africa team selection

[Bahseph]

TBH I was surprised to see Piedt and Viljoen here. But it makes sense if this is all about the NZ series. Those two are still (hopefully) international class and in Piedt's case there is no other spinner to turn to is there? Muthusamy, Maharaj, Shamsi and Harmer will be playing the SA20 and Linde won't be picked even if he was available.

 

[Bahseph]

On another topic I am concerned about Bavuma. More so with his recurring hamstring troubles. I know he has found another gear with his batting of late but it's still not based on pure power hitting. If he isn't fit by Thursday will they have the guts to have the captain sit out in a WC semi???

 

[StephenZA]

On another topic I am concerned about Bavuma. More so with his recurring hamstring troubles. I know he has found another gear with his batting of late but it's still not based on pure power hitting. If he isn't fit by Thursday will they have the guts to have the captain sit out in a WC semi???

They are trying to turn him into a Kolisi when he is not. He has not shown that much good form this tournament and his captaincy is adequate at best. If injured, which he clearly is, the only thing he should do is sit out and anything else would be pure ego and selfishness.

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

On another topic I am concerned about Bavuma. More so with his recurring hamstring troubles. I know he has found another gear with his batting of late but it's still not based on pure power hitting. If he isn't fit by Thursday will they have the guts to have the captain sit out in a WC semi???

The hope we have is that SA have shown a willingness to make the necessary changes when required in this tournament even in big games , Hendricks came on in a huge game vs England after our shock loss vs The Netherlands for example , Bavuma was sick but he could have easily forced himself to play

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

I also hope, that Coetzee is not the fall guy on Thursday..
We don't need another Kyle Abbott situation

 

[Bahseph]

The hope we have is that SA have shown a willingness to make the necessary changes when required in this tournament even in big games , Hendricks came on in a huge game vs England after our shock loss vs The Netherlands for example , Bavuma was sick but he could have easily forced himself to play

I genuinely don't think he could have played that game because he had gastric issues. I have a suspicion that they want him to play even if he can't sprint or run at full tilt.

 

[Bahseph]

I also hope, that Coetzee is not the fall guy on Thursday..
We don't need another Kyle Abbott situation

A fall guy for who?

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

A fall guy for who?

The last time we played in Eden Gardens , Coetzee missed out for Shamsi

 

[Bahseph]

The last time we played in Eden Gardens , Coetzee missed out for Shamsi

I don't think this is comparable to the Abbot/Philander issue. On form I believe that Ngidi should sit out for Shamsi if a second spinner is required but I don't think Coetzee has been a fall guy at all. I actually believe SA have used their 15 quite well to this point.

 

[StephenZA]

The last time we played in Eden Gardens , Coetzee missed out for Shamsi

Thats not a fall guy, that’s them just trying to play conditions… should they be picking Shamsi… that’s a different discussion.

 

[StephenZA]

I don't think this is comparable to the Abbot/Philander issue. On form I believe that Ngidi should sit out for Shamsi if a second spinner is required but I don't think Coetzee has been a fall guy at all. I actually believe SA have used their 15 quite well to this point.

Ngidi is a tough one… he has gone from very good to very bad… but that is the same for Shamsi who has gone from okay to good. But do you want to be playing the extra spinner against Aus? Might be worth it.

 

[Bahseph]

The thing with Shamsi is if he gets it right on his day he is a tremendous asset, but if he doesn't have his control then he can easily go for 7s or 8s. Doesn't offer much with the bat or in the field though.

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

Coetzee has to play the semi final no matter what , he's our highest wicket taker in the tournament with 18 wickets

 

[Bahseph]

Coetzee has to play the semi final no matter what , he's our highest wicket taker in the tournament with 18 wickets

I agree with you. And I feel so does @StephenZA . I just don't think he will be the "fall guy" if they want Shamsi in. I'd pick Shamsi just FYI and Coetzee and drop Ngidi. You have to ask yourself who Aus would rather face and I think Ngidi would be preferable to Shamsi for them. Alot of what makes Lungi a lovely test bowler allows him to be quite hittablein ODIs and T20s for me.

 

[StephenZA]

The problem is if you decide to play both Shamsi and Coetzee you lose middle over control. Both of them are wicket takers but also give runs away. If you drop Ngidi you open with Rabada and Jansen. Which means the Rabada and Maharaj control is not as effective middle overs where you probably have to bowl Coetzee and Shamsi in conjunction at some stage. It’s not a straightforward decision.

Personally would not play Shamsi at all but can understand if they decide to.

 

[Dendarii]

Yeah Sipamla will be on that NZ trip if he is fit. I genuinely rate him. I think he would be a starting quick for a few Test nations.

He's become a bit of a forgotten man with the rise of Jansen and Coetzee, but I agree that he's a quality bowler.

 

[Dendarii]

On another topic I am concerned about Bavuma. More so with his recurring hamstring troubles. I know he has found another gear with his batting of late but it's still not based on pure power hitting. If he isn't fit by Thursday will they have the guts to have the captain sit out in a WC semi???

If he's not completely fit then it's irresponsible of them to pick him. I know there are all sorts of reason why they want to pick him, but match fitness should take priority over those.

 

[StephenZA]

He's become a bit of a forgotten man with the rise of Jansen and Coetzee, but I agree that he's a quality bowler.

I think he is injured at the moment... but don't think he is forgotten. Well at least not with people like ourselves!!

 

[StephenZA]

I have been thinking about the Piedt selection and it is kinda a concern? I understand why he maybe selected for the NZ tour and that is what this SA 'A' selection is about... but who are our young spinners? I`m sure we must have a few, but who under the age of 25 at the moment amongst our spinners could become test quality?

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

Bryce Parsons ? He's only 22, he'll be playing SA T20 though..