Although he’d ideally like to give every member of his 15-man squad a run in the eight One-Day Internationals the South African team will be playing in Australasia over the next five weeks, captain AB de Villiers, has emphasised winning the two series as being the touring party’s priority.
That’s no surprise, but in the wider context of the tour – ie the World Cup – players, whose spots in the final 15 for next February’s showpiece are not yet cemented, would probably appreciate an opportunity to display their wares.
Given that beyond these eight matches, only another five ODIs – against the West Indies in January – remain, the likes of Aaron Phangiso, Rilee Rossouw and Kyle Abbott would want more than an odd match on tour to stake their respective World Cup cases.
“It would be ideal (to let all 15 squad members play), but we have to do whatever it takes for us to win both the series,” De Villiers said shortly before the side departed for Auckland last night.
“We are there for a long time, and usually with series like that or with eight matches being played it works out that 14 or 15 guys get an opportunity.
“If it happens in that way, that we’ve already won the series and there is one game left, then that’s an ideal time to try out someone.”
Chances may open up due to injury and three of the tourists face rehabilitation in the week leading up to the first match against New Zealand next Tuesday.
Ryan McLaren’s hairline fracture in his right forearm is coming along nicely, as is Dave Miller’s right groin muscle; however, Wayne Parnell’s chest muscle pull still requires further rehabilitation. Team manager Mohammed Moosajee said that a decision about Parnell’s fitness will be made closer to Tuesday’s match.
As for those outside of the squad that left last night, making an impression ahead of the World Cup, De Villiers was firm in stating the door was far from shut on players who are plying their trade in the domestic one-day competition.
“I’m not 100percent sure of who is going to the World Cup, but I can’t see five to seven changes (from the current squad), but there is certainly a spot or two up for grabs.
“We’ve seen examples in the past, where players have forced their way in late based on domestic performances.
“There is definitely time for players outside the squad to put their hands up.”
This trip has been scheduled with the World Cup very much in mind. The New Zealand series was a late addition, but as a result the whole tour mimics much of what South Africa will encounter at that tournament next year – from the number of matches, to the actual travel.
Acclimatising to conditions will be crucial too – on the field and off it, especially in Australia where crowds are boisterous.
“We’ve only got about six guys who played when we were last there,” said De Villiers.
“In that regard we are lacking experience; their crowds get quite involved – like the team itself. It will be nice to see who feels really comfortable in those conditions.”
South Africa start the tour with three matches in New Zealand, before heading to Australia for three T20 Internationals – where a largely experimental team will be captained by JP Duminy – before playing five ODIs against Australia.
The Australians, fresh off a series whitewash against Pakistan, will be angling for revenge in that series, after losing to South Africa in the triangular series in Zimbabwe.
“They are very hungry especially after we beat them in Zimbabwe, they’ll want payback, which presents a great challenge.”
“I believe we’ve got a bit of an edge over them. We respect the fact that we are playing against a really good team, that has confidence and momentum at the moment, but there is no need for us to stand back for them,” said De Villiers.
ODI Squad: AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morné Morkel, Wayne Parnell , Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn .
T20 squad: JP Duminy (capt), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Lock, Marchant de Lange, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese.
Itinerary
New Zealand
October 21: 1st ODI, Mount Maunganui
October 24: 2nd ODI, Mount Maunganui
October 27: 3rd ODI, Hamilton
Australia
November 5: 1st T20 International, Adelaide
November 7: 2nd T20 International, Melbourne
November 9: 3rd T20 International, Sydney
November 14: 1st ODI, Perth
November 16: 2nd ODI, Perth
November 19: 3rd ODI, Canberra
November 21: 4th ODI, Melbourne
November 23: 5th ODI, Sydney - The Star