The biggest headache for South Africa coach Mark Boucher ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia starting in October is not who to bring into his squad, but rather who to leave out.
“We did give a couple of opportunities to guys to see what they can do, and they came good, which is great for us to see.”
Boucher’s side has won 18 of their last 21 completed internationals in the shortest format, a remarkable run of consistency, and are arguably the form side going into the global competition.
They must still travel to India for three games in late September, which could shape their thinking further, but Boucher admits there will be some very tough calls ahead of the World Cup.
“It’s a good headache to have when there are so many guys vying for positions with a World Cup around the corner,” he said. “There is great competition in the squad at the moment and in quite a few positions as well.
“We did give a couple of opportunities to guys to see what they can do, and they came good, which is great for us to see. It’s a very healthy place for South African cricket to be in.”
The squad that won the recent series in England and against Ireland has a settled look to it, but whiteball captain Temba Bavuma must still return from injury, while premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is another to be added to the list.
The emergence of a young batting star from nowhere like Tristan Stubbs is an unexpected gift to the side.
Boucher says that competition and the fear that someone else is ready to take your place is necessary for the team.
“When you have guys coming in and performing, there is no space for (other) guys to rest. It keeps players challenging for selection, and that can only push them to different heights.”
South Africa have been drawn with a trio of sub-continent sides in Group 2 at the World Cup and will take on India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as two qualifiers who must still earn their place at the tournament.
By Nick Said