HEINRICH KLAASEN
Took advantage of the opportunities that came his way as a result of injuries to some of the big names last summer by producing match-winning knocks in an ODI and then a T20 match against India. Missed Thursday’s warm-up game because of a tight groin but will be hoping to build on his good start at international level in this series. Besides his batting, his glove-work behind the stumps is solid, while he provides an extra option with his slow right-arm bowling.
Heinrich Klaasen showed his class in his last outing for the Proteas in limited overs. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
WIAAN MULDER
Starred in the warm-up match by scoring a half-century, taking a catch and claiming three wickets. With Chris Morris out injured, this is the 20-year-old’s chance to grab the selectors’ attention. He has a very correct technique with the bat, can can hit the ball a long way and he is a brave bowler - willing to delve into his repertoire of slower balls and developing some useful cutters.
AIDEN MARKRAM
The selectors want him to bat at No4, a spot he has only played in occasionally at domestic level. Besides one innings of 66 on debut against a lightweight Bangladesh, he’s yet to produce an innings of substance at No4. He deserves a chance there and hopefully can quickly adapt, or else Linda Zondi an Co. will have to look elsewhere.
KESHAV MAHARAJ/ TABRAIZ SHAMSI
It’s unlikely South Africa will take as many as three front-line spinners to England next year and with the selectors choosing to leave Imran Tahir out because they know what they have with him, these two are effectively competing for just one spot. Maharaj needs to provide a more attacking threat with the ball - something that comes naturally to Shamsi – but he’s probably ahead of the left-arm wrist-spinner in both the fielding and batting departments which, of course, add a good deal of value.
Keshav Maharaj (left) claimed the last Sri Lankan wicket to fall to produce the best figures by a South African since readmission in the second test. Photo: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters
JP DUMINY
It’s 14 years since Duminy made his ODI debut in Sri Lanka. He’s played 184 matches and yet it still is hard to determine his value. His batting average since the last World Cup is 29.06 while with the ball he averages 64.33. His contributions have been far too sporadic for someone with his experience. Time must be running out and he needs to make a major play in this series if he wants to be a part of the squad in England next year.