RYAN VREDE picks the Test XI, including a completely new bowling attack, the Proteas should go with if IPL-contracted players leave before the series against Bangladesh.
On Monday, I wrote a column arguing against the juvenile view that players are disloyal if they honour their IPL contracts.
The Test series runs from 31 March to 12 April. The IPL starts on 26 March through to 29 May. Players have to serve a mandatory three-day quarantine before entering the IPL bubble, effectively making it a complex choice between country and IPL franchise.
Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen are all regulars in the Test side, but will this week decide whether to miss the series or stay and compromise their current and future IPL earnings. Anrich Nortje is another with an IPL gig, but he isn’t expected to be fit for either the Test series or IPL.
In the spirit of whataboutism, I decided to pick the side I think would still beat Bangladesh, even in the absence of the IPL-contracted players. Here goes …
DEAN ELGAR
The skipper is the glue that binds the team together, easy pick.
SAREL ERWEE
Showed he has the temperament to match his talent in the second Test against New Zealand. He deserves investment.
KEEGAN PETERSEN
Back after missing the tour of New Zealand, the find of the India series adds class and match-defining temperament to the batting lineup.
RYAN RICKELTON
I would have picked him ahead of Aiden Markram for the New Zealand series, but his chance comes now. Scored three hundreds in his past five first-class innings, so comes in with form and confidence.
TEMBA BAVUMA
One of the team’s most consistent batters this summer. He has silenced critics. Long may it continue.
KYLE VERREYNNE
His century in the second Test against New Zealand was critical and hopefully gave him the belief that his talent belongs on the Test stage.
WIAAN MULDER
Mulder’s performances in his eight Tests have betrayed his talent, but I don’t think we should abandon this project just yet. He has to perform or the selectors must move on, though. I hope he does.
SIMON HARMER
Yeah, I pick him. The leading wicket-taker in South African first-class cricket comes in to combat Bangladesh’s left-hander-laden batting lineup (they could play as many as six).
KESHAV MAHARAJ
After the New Zealand series, I wrote that Maharaj is a national treasure who should always play. So, he’s playing in my team.
DUANNE OLIVIER
Olivier has been the least impressive of the Proteas pace attack this summer, but I back his pace and experience ahead of Glenton Stuurman.
LUTHO SIPAMLA
The unsung hero of the bowling attack in the second Test against New Zealand. I had my doubts about him when he first played but, in Christchurch, I understood why he is so highly rated by the selectors.
