Port Elizabeth – South Africa could make as many as four changes to their team for the fourth One Day International against the West Indies at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
With an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, Proteas captain AB de Villiers said he wanted to give the full squad a go in the next two matches.
“We're definitely making a few changes. Dale and Hash are not here, they've been rested,” said De Villiers on Saturday.
“We're also thinking of giving one or two of the other bowlers time off.
“Whether we make a few changes or not, it's important to keep winning.
“There's nothing more powerful than winning games of cricket, especially going into the World Cup.”
Dale Steyn will be rested for the remainder of the series, while Hashim Amla will sit out the match in the windy city, paving the way for Morne van Wyk to open the batting and take over wicketkeeping duties from De Villiers.
Seamers Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell as well as spinner Aaron Phangiso would come in, while Vernon Philander and Imran Tahir would both likely be rested said the captain.
“Abbott will probably come in, and Parnell will get a go. Maybe Vernon will get a rest. Then in the last one we'll probably give Morne a bit of time off.
“It's very likely Aaron will come in tomorrow to give Imran some time off.
“Imran is still our main go-to guy, but it's important for Phangy to get some overs under the belt.”
De Villiers would also welcome the chance to give the gloves to Van Wyk.
“I don't keep very often these days. It's important to have concentration on my keeping for the full 50 overs.
“When I keep all the time then I don't have to think too much about the keeping, then I can really put my captaincy boots on. It was a little bit difficult to juggle around the other night, but not too bad.”
After his first day back training with squad on Thursday following his ahead of schedule recovery from an ankle injury, Quinton de Kock looked set to regain his place in the final ODI according to De Villiers.
“We want to give him game time and it would be great for him to play that last game. It looks good, he's running around and he looks in good knick. I would love to give him a game in the fifth ODI.” De Kock, 22, had already scored six ODI centuries since making his debut for South Africa in January 2013, but his time out with injury could have an effect on his form going into the World Cup. De Villiers, however, was confident his young player would produce the goods.
“He's a wonderfully gifted cricket player, we know what he's capable of.
“He's just got to go out there and play his game. He bats up front with Hash, who provides stability. I don't want him to him feel like he's become a vital player to us even though he is. When he doesn't come off, we have a long batting lineup, we're playing a seventh batter these days. There's not a lot of pressure on him. He's a wicketkeeper, so it's a bit of a bonus when you have your keeper opening the batting.”
West Indies captain Jason Holder, meanwhile, said his side were still chasing that elusive win over the hosts.
“It's just about getting on the board, we've obviously lost the series so it will be about getting some momentum heading to the World Cup,” said Holder.
The West Indies cancelled their training session on Friday, but Holder said his team had used the time adequately to discuss their issues.
“Yesterday we had a team activity where we discussed some things. We just tried to get the guys' minds in the right direction ahead of this game.
“Obviously we've lost the series and didn't perform very well in the second and third games. It's just about salvaging some pride.” – Sapa