Cricket writer Zaahier Adams picks four players who could make a real impact in the five-match ODI series between South Africa and Australia.
Wayne Parnell
ODIs: 52. Runs: 406. Ave: 21.36. HS: 56. Ave: 21.36. 50s: One
Wickets: 72. BB: 5/48. Ave: 29.94. Eco: 5.58. Five-fors: Two.
The socialite of the Proteas team with his hip dress sense, fashion blogger wife and witty tweets, the time has come for @Parnyboy_7 to be more substance than style.
Having been a tourist with the national team for the last seven years as he struggled to cement a regular place, this series is the prime opportunity for Parnell to establish himself as the No 1 allrounder in the Proteas setup with Chris Morris still out injured.
Parnell has always had the natural talent to be a success at international level.
He has the advantage of being a left-arm swing bowler who delivers the ball at pace. That can trouble even the most destructive of batsmen, as Aussie vice-captain David Warner found out when Parnell knocked him over in the Caribbean. Parnell also has the ability to be destructive with the bat. He has shown countless times on the domestic circuit, especially last season in a dream first season with the Cape Cobras, that he can wield the willow.
An incisive burst with the new ball from Parnell can change the course of a game, and that is what Proteas captain Faf du Plessis will be looking for from his premier all-rounder.
Tabraiz Shamsi
ODIs: Two. Wickets: Three. BB: 2/41. Ave: 25.66. Eco: 4.52.
There’s no doubt that Imran Tahir is the No 1 spinner in the Proteas lineup, if not the in the world, in limited-overs cricket. But Shamsi is certainly a glimpse into the future for the national team.
The Proteas have longed for a ‘mystery bowler’ since the days of Paul Adams, to rival Sunil Narine, Ajantha Mendis and Ravichandran Ashwin. And the young Chinaman bowler from the Titans certainly provides that.
Shamsi’s most impressive attribute is his ‘no fear’ attitude as he ruthlessly chases wickets, even if at the cost of a few extra runs. He’s an aggressive character in the field, too, sometimes even crossing the line. But Shamsi will certainly not stand back for the Aussies, having already faced Steve Smith’s side earlier in the year in the Caribbean.
The Proteas selectors would be well-advised to select Shamsi in tandem with Tahir, for they have the ability to spin the Australians in a web much like the Sri Lankans did recently.
Usman Khawaja
ODIs: 15. Runs 413. HS: 98. Ave: 34.41. SR: 86.04. 50s: Two.
The stylish Aussie left-hander is fortunate to be on this trip after he was left out of the original touring party due to his struggles in Sri Lanka.
An injury to Shaun Marsh opened the door for Khawaja and he will certainly be more comfortable on the South African pitches, which bear a resemblance to the conditions Down Under.
He was quite prolific last summer back home when he struck four Test centuries and averaged a Bradmanesque 172.50 in the Big Bash.
The ease with which Khawaja has always played off the back foot square of the wicket and off his pads has now been married with a soul-destroying ability to find a gap through the covers almost at will.
The attractiveness of his batting is that he doesn’t look to over-elaborate his game plan, and simply backs his hand-eye coordination.
In the one innings that he has had in South Africa, against Ireland in Benoni on Tuesday, the delightful touch that eluded him on the subcontinent returned as he compiled an unbeaten 82.
And if the Australian convener of selectors Rod Marsh and his panel opt for Khawaja against the Proteas at Centurion tomorrow, they can be assured of selecting a batsman hungry to remind everyone of his worth.
Adam Zampa
ODIs: 13. Wickets: 25. BB: 3/16. Ave: 22. Eco: 4.84.
The Aussies must rate Zampa highly if they are considering playing the young leg-spinner, especially as then captain Michael Clarke’s team won the World Cup without a specialist spinner throughout their successful campaign on home soil last year.
The 24-year-old Zampa is certainly turning heads almost as much as he’s ripping his leg-breaks, and he will look to continue his upward curve in South Africa.
Another Big Bash graduate, Zampa isn’t a big turner of a ball like the legendary Shane Warne, who he’s often compared to.
He instead relies on subtle changes of pace, excellent use of the crease, and a host of variations to deceive batsmen.
A new batsman at the crease should particularly be wary of the Aussie ‘leggie’ as he is not easy to ‘pick’ initially - indicated by his record-breaking haul of 6/19 in last season’s IPL.
Like Khawaja, Zampa has already shown how much he enjoys the conditions in South Africa after he cleaned up the Irish batting lineup with a match haul of 3/37 at Willowmoore Park.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow
South Africa v Australia, Centurion, 1.30pm
October 2
South Africa v Australia, Wanderers, 10am
October 5
South Africa v Australia, Kingsmead, 1.30pm
October 9
South Africa v Australia, St George’s Park, 10am
October 12:
South Africa v Australia, Newlands, 1.30pm
Cape Times