I know de Bruyn has been treated unfairly with his stop-start chances and opening in NewZealand. But the fact that he has deserved the opportunities through domination of the level below is a massive concern.
Technically he plays across the ball and out in front. Will always nick off against quality.
Ok Temba Bavuma is there but again averaging 33 over a number of matches with a few match saving innings. What do we expect of him when he comes in for the next test and a run of games ? I don't want to accept mediocrity so either he smashes it with 40+ or also must be scrapped.
Klaasen may be a good option because of his attitude, positivity and quick scoring. He is a certainty to travel to Sri Lanka.
Markram is slightly behind in his development because of getting his franchise opportunity so late. He is learning on the job unfortunately but he is definitely someone we have to stick with. He has the mentality and the tools.
My concerns are the next batch of batsman are massively behind from what we produced in the past and a few talented players we don't know where they stand at franchise level as opportunities still need to come. Talking mainly Ricketlon and Bedingham. Muthusamy and Hamza have 1 franchise century each ? Sen may have 2.
Also not quite sure where de Zorzi and Moonsamy are at the Titans. Got the opportunities but probably need to do more to be definite picks at the Titans.
I think the 20-year olds are the most talented in Mulder, Breetzke and van Tonder but they have lots of learning experiences to go through still. I don't think they have played at each test ground in FC yet even ?
The seniors
Elgar - been patchy since the start of the year but off a massive year and our senior grafter opener.
Amla - Not what he used to be but we can't afford to leave him out at this stage.
AB - Class apart at this moment.
Faf - Our 2nd best batsman at this moment
de Kock - out of form and mentally fatigued. Looked much better here but obviously now needs the runs.
Before the batsmen get it in the neck, I do think that we gave to many runs away. Morkel was terrible and if we are going the 4 bowler route then we can not afford any bad bowling. Rabada was also not at his best. Considering where we had Aus they scored at least 50+ more run than they should have today. 280 a.o. is psychologically much better.
Elgar and Markram worry me the most. If we are going to end up continuously 30/2 then you can never have a good enough batting lineup... Elgar been poor since the beginning of the year and I'm not quite sure why it has suddenly got so bad, some of the shots he has got out to are just not understandable. Lack of concentration? My worry regarding Markram is he does not play like an opener, he hits the ball in the air so very often; he is getting good looking 20's/30's and not much else, can see the talent. But the real worry is like the way he got out today? We all knew what Aus was doing and when the (very good) short ball came along he fends at it? Evade, wear it or play a full blooded shot? For a man who is meant to be a thinking cricketer it is almost like he was surprised when it came.
Amla is not what he was, but is still pretty good, sometimes you just get out early. ABdV and Faf nothing needs to be said. QDK is out of form, somebody in the management needs to find a way to work with him, we can't just keep saying he is a confidence player and it will come back, they need to help him find his way back.
I prefer Bavuma to de Bruyn, even though de Bruyn is more talented. Prefer Bavuma's attitude and nuggitiness, and I think his fielding is a great asset to the team. He has created a number of wickets by his fielding. Else we must just play Mulder and hope for the best.
I don't think we can change much except for #7 spot... I just think something not quite working psychologically and not sure what?
As for the future I think they desperately need to bring in an extra franchise team; and/or also organize more tours for the 'A' team throughout the year, best chance of them getting quality opposition consistently.
