The experimental phase continues as the Proteas kick off the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe on Tuesday at Buffalo Park in East London.
Scene-setter
After completing a 3-0 whitewash against Zimbabwe in the 50-over format, the Proteas now turn their attention to the T20Is – a format that can not be excluded from the Proteas’ World Cup preparations. The T20 format will give Ottis Gibson and Faf du Plessis the opportunity to see more of South Africa’s attacking domestic talents, that’s if they get an opportunity in the three-match series.
The Proteas’ questions about their lower order have somewhat been answered with Heinrich Klaasen’s recent form, but it is still unclear whether he has shown enough to replace David Miller in the number six position. Selectors will be keen to have another look at Christiaan Jonker, who made his ODI debut in the series against Zimbabwe, as well as potentially new debutants in Lions top-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen and Warriors top-order batsman Gihahn Cloete.
The return of Du Plessis from injury for the third ODI against Zimbabwe will almost certainly mean he will captain the side, with the aim of building momentum leading up to the November ODI series against Australia. Returns for Miller and Quinton de Kock should also be on the cards, after the pair were rested for the ODIs against the visitors.
For Zimbabwe, veteran fast bowler Christopher Mpofu has been added to the squad along with batsman Chamu Chibaba and all-rounder Neville Madziva, while Craig Ervine and Donald Tiripano were excluded from the squad.
First up is the Proteas’ clash at Buffalo Park in East London. The Proteas only played one T20I at Buffalo Park, which came against New Zealand in 2012 – they lost the clash by eight wickets.
Players to Watch
Van der Dussen was exceptional in the Sunfoil Series last season, finishing as the top run-scorer of the competition with 959 runs at an average of 73.76. His One-Day Cup record of 432 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 83.07 saw him placed third, while his T20 record of 171 runs (average 28.50, strike rate 123.02) leaves question marks over his selection as a T20 player before any other format. Nonetheless, he brings experience from playing in T20 competitions all over the world, including the Canada T20 League and the Caribbean Premier League.
Another potential debutant also expected to show his ability – 23-year-old Warriors batsman Cloete. His performance in last season’s One-Day Cup proved his capabilities in the shortest format, finishing second in the tournament. He ended last season with an average of 54.60, a strike rate of 90.24 and a total of 546 runs that included two centuries and two half-centuries.
For Zimbabwe, the Proteas should look out for Solomon Mire who had a great Tri-Series against Pakistan and Australia. Mire finished with 212 runs at an average of 53.00, a strike rate of 130.06 and two half-centuries. He will be expected to open the batting.
Proteas probable XI
Assuming that experimenting with less-experienced players is a priority for the Proteas, I have gone with a more inexperienced lineup for the opening T20, as well as some of the returning Proteas who didn’t get a run in the ODIs.
1) Quinton de Kock
2) Gihahn Cloete
3) Rassie van der Dussen
4) Faf du Plessis
5) David Miller
6) Christiaan Jonker
7) Robbie Frylinck
8) Andile Phehlukwayo
9) Dane Paterson
10) Junior Dala
11) Tabraiz Shamsi
Zimbabwe probable XI
1) Elton Chigumbura
2) Solomon Mire
3) Hamilton Masakadza
4) Brendan Taylor
5) Sean Williams
6) Peter Moor
7) Elton Chigumbura
8) Tendai Chisoro
9) Brandon Mavuta
10) Kyle Jarvis
11) Tendai Chatara
Photo: Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images
