RYAN VREDE selects a Proteas XI with the highest potential to bounce back from a humiliating loss and salvage the series against New Zealand.

Dean Elgar
The Proteas need Elgar to ‘do an Elgar’ and carry a significant portion of the run-scoring responsibility in Christchurch. Matt Henry knicked him off twice in the first Test, and Elgar will have to be disciplined outside his off peg as a result. If he makes it through the new ball, things get easier and the Proteas will be better placed to mount a batting challenge.

Sarel Erwee
Erwee is a fine domestic player who is defined by a highly effective technique and strong mental constitution. Neither of those qualities was on show in Christchurch. This is understandable given that it was his Test debut. But he’ll have to adapt to the mental and technical demands of Test cricket quickly.

Rassie van der Dussen
One spot up for Van der Dussen, in light of my inclusion of Ryan Rickelton, who I think would be better suited to No 4 on Test debut (he bats there for the Lions). Tough assignment, but he has the goods to handle it.

Ryan Rickelton
Rickelton replaces Aiden Markram, whose retention can’t be justified given that he averages 9.7 in his past 10 innings, and just over 20 in his past 20 innings. Rickelton is an in-form domestic batter, scoring three hundreds in his last five innings. Being left-handed, and with an aggressive mentality, add a new dimension to the Proteas lineup.

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Temba Bavuma
Bavuma looked organised and disciplined in his second-innings 41, and, being an experienced Test batter, will have to share the bulk of the run-scoring burden with Elgar.

Zubayr Hamza
I was encouraged by how Hamza ground out his 25 runs in the first innings of the first Test. He ultimately had a brain fade, hanging his bat out and knicking off. There was enough quality in that innings to encourage me. He deserves investment.

Kyle Verreynne
There is no question that Verreynne’s stats (an average of 15.42 after seven innings) betray his talent. Test cricket has proven to be a tough learning curve for the 24-year-old, but his domestic first-class record (an average of 50.47 after 81 innings) suggests he possesses the talent and temperament to remedy his early struggles. His glovework is improving game on game, too.

Marco Jansen
Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the first Test. He is already showing a progression from his debut Test series against India, particularly in terms of his control, patience and tactical intelligence. He has the potential to develop into a world-class fast bowler, and highly competent batter in the years to come.

Lungi Ngidi/Keshav Maharaj
I was gutted that Ngidi missed the first Test. He was exceptional against India and appeared to have gone up a level after the inconsistency that marked the early part of his Test career. At the time of writing, he was doubtful for the second Test, but I hope he recovers because he would be a potent addition to the team. If he isn’t, I’d pick Maharaj. Christchurch has traditionally been unforgiving for spinners, but Maharaj has shown himself to be more than capable of navigating these sorts of challenges. His presence as a holding option would allow the seamers to bowl shorter spells, which would hopefully amplify their potency.

Kagiso Rabada
Rabada is a must-pick, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t concerns. He has to lead the attack in a more imposing way. Rabada is one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, but I feel like he goes through the motion for large chunks of an innings. This translates as spells that range in speed between 130km/h and 135km/h, when he should be operating in the high 130-145 range, especially against batters of the Black Caps’ quality.

Duane Olivier
Olivier hasn’t carried his excellent domestic form into his second coming as a Test cricketer. He took three wickets in the first Test, but went at nearly five runs per over. With Anrich Nortje recovering from injury, and a clutch of fast bowlers in the shadows, he needs to find some consistency and quickly. I’d still pick him because of his experience, but that experience needs to reflect in his performance.