Temba Bavuma took over as skipper of a Test squad on Friday (February 17), replacing Dean Elgar, who had been the only century-maker for South Africa’s team the previous year. One of them was Kyle Verreynne, who in Australia in December and January was the team’s second-highest run-maker. Heinrich Klaasen will take over as the primary wicketkeeper in his place. Rassie van der Dussen, Khaya Zondo, Lungi Ngidi, and Glenton Stuurman, who would have been the other South African century-maker in 2022, did not receive a call-up, and Theunis de Bruyn announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday.
Tony de Zorzi makes his debut in the 15-man team chosen to face the West Indies in two games in Centurion and at the Wanderers in February and March. Keegan Petersen is returned after missing the Australian series due to a hamstring injury, and Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, and Senuran Muthusamy are also back in the lineup. The hiring of bowling instructor Charl Langeveldt by Punjab Kings was announced last month, and JP Duminy’s potential replacement for batting coach Justin Sammons was first reported last week and confirmed by the media on Friday.
The selection director has been fired outside the changing area. Alternatively, they had “decided to release Victor Mpitsang of his position,” in the clumsy words of a CSA release. Patrick Moroney, the other selection, will only be permitted to serve under-19s going forward. Shukri Conrad, the test coach, and Rob Walter, the white-ball coach, will choose the squads and teams for the time being, with the captains’ feedback. Conrad and Walter are also recent hires, having been chosen last month to take Mark Boucher’s position. Conrad made it clear during a news conference on Friday that he was largely responsible for the revolution in playing personnel. On the leadership change, he is seen here. In my conversation with Dean, I made it clear that he has performed admirably over the past few years. I chose to do this. Dean will continue to have a significant impact on our executive team. This does not equate to Temba being a superior leader to Dean. However, I believed that moving forward, this was the best fit for both of me and us.
There was a lot more truthful speech to follow. Here is Conrad’s assessment of Markram, who has failed to hit 50 in 15 Test innings: “People will always support Aiden Markram, or they will claim that he flatters in order to mislead. I belong to the first category. Aiden will start the batting order. He is a fantastic cricketer and performer of the stroke. I have a lengthy history with Aiden and am familiar with his character. We must fit the characters to our choices, as well as the style of cricket we want to play. I state categorically that he will bowl first alongside Dean. And regarding Verreynne’s firing, In the end, I’m paid to make specific decisions, and subjectivity is a factor. That was our exchange with Kyle. He has followed all reasonable expectations. But in my opinion, “Klaasie” has accomplished more and merits a complete review. I believe that “Klaasie” is more than just a hitter we can put in the field. It was an easy choice for me because I’ve always thought of him as a wicketkeeper-batter. That is “Klaasie.” Kyle is unlucky to be subjected to that.
With 489 runs at 122.25 in five innings and a highest score of 304 not out, De Zorzi is the top batter in domestic first-class cricket this season. As a result, Tony’s career has moved north rather than south. I think of him as a potential leader. I’m not surprised by a large number of runs he’s made. Furthermore, I don’t believe anyone is in a position to say that there is never a path back for the fired Van der Dussen, Erwee, and Zondo. Never say never in life. However, adjustments had to be made, so I did. What steps must they take to enter again… Obtain a high strike rate while scoring many runs at the local level. If you want to compete on an international level, you must dominate domestically in terms of both run production and rate.
And regarding the reasons Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Muthusamy should be included in a team for two Test matches on the Highveld: I prefer traditional lineups for my batting order. I need 7 pitchers. I, therefore, want to raise our supply of all-rounders. Allrounders aren’t required to bowl in the seam; they can also bowl in the spin. This equilibrium can be found in Wiaan and “Sen.” It allows me the option to play “Sen” if I want to play four quicks because I anticipate the pitch to be a certain way. Conrad and Walter will have a lot of power, but Enoch Nkwe, the head of cricket for the CSA, thought it was beneficial to give coaches more influence. I’ve always thought that the coach should have more influence over the selection, provided that it is in keeping with CSA’s overarching plan. It will be a transitional stage that we want to test. However, I think the two coaches are in the best situation to discuss the selection.
After South Africa’s disastrous World Cup campaign in the T20I format in Australia in October and November, Bavuma resigned as the T20I skipper but has retained the ODI captaincy. There is no word on who will take over that style from him. Conrad filled in for Walter during an ODI series against England at the end of last month in Bloemfontein and Kimberley while Walter organized his return to South Africa from New Zealand, where he has been a mentor since 2016. During that time, according to Conrad and Bavuma, their relationship grew stronger: “He understands how I want to do things, and I’ve got a good understanding of how he wants to be involved and run things. Temba was going to be the skipper, and our brief stays in Bloemfontein and Kimberley helped to solidify that decision. I’m hoping his efforts continue to be outstanding. I believe that he enjoys being a commander.
Only Elgar has a better average than Bavuma’s 34.53, calculated from the latter’s debut in December 2014, among South Africa’s active Test batters. None of them have totaled more than 20 half-centuries each. However, Elgar made 11 centuries during that period, while Bavuma only managed one. That was undoubtedly one of the factors that led to Elgar’s appointment in March 2021. In June of that year, he led South Africa to victories in both Test matches played in St. Lucia. He also assisted his team in overcoming deficits of 0-1 to defeat India at home in December 2021 and January 2022. In Christchurch in February of last year, they drew the series after dropping the first game by innings in three days. Elgar appeared to solidify his position when South Africa shocked England by innings in three days at Lord’s in August, the only Test Ben Stokes’ side lost last year. Two wins over Bangladesh followed at home in March and April. But that was the only victory Elgar oversaw. South Africa lost to defeat at the Oval and Old Trafford after making the absurd choice to alter their starting lineup. They suffered defeats at the Gabba and the MCG in December and January, while drawing at the SCG.
