The 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales will be one of the most hotly contested World Cups in recent memory with a returning 10 team format (a la 1992 World Cup) returning. South Africa will play the other nine nations (Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies) once, with the top four sides progressing to the semi-finals. Each team can select 15 players for the global showpiece. The teams will need to be submitted by 30 April.
Here is my selection of the squad that should represent SA at the 2019 World Cup
- Faf du Plessis
The Proteas captain has for long been the glue in the side, with his consistent batting and sharp captaincy giving his side much needed sustenance. Du Plessis will need to be at his best in the World Cup and lead by example. His fielding is always outstanding, but his tactics will be under scrutiny. The Proteas will need to win pressure games and his leadership will be vital in those crunch moments.
- Quinton de Kock
De Kock has been the inform player for the Proteas this past ODI season at home, leading from the first ball. De Kock gives attacking impetus and menace to the Proteas and his glove work is also exemplary. A definite star player and vital cog in England this June/July.
- Rassie van der Dussen
The former North West Dragons batsman, has thrived since joining the ODI squad in January this year, notching up 4 50’s. An incredible average of 88.24 justifies his selection. He will bring experience and calm into the side who at times will get flustered during a competitive and action packed World Cup tournament. A solid banker for the number 3 or 4 spot in the starting 11 against England.
- Aiden Markram
Over 500 runs in the recent Momentum One Day Cup for the Titans as well as a blistering 135 in the final sums up Markram’s form. Yes, he has not yet delivered for the Proteasin the ODI arena, but he brings form and an x-factor to the World Cup. He may just give middle order stability in the batting ranks and could play an important role from positions 1-4.
- JP Duminy
The experienced left-hander will finish his career at the World Cup and there would be no better way than to win it in his final match in a Proteas jersey. Duminy will be crucial in the middle order, whilst his spin could also tie up an end.
- David Miller
Its Miller time when this left-hander gets going and his explosive batting will be needed in the final 15 overs of an innings. SA need a finisher and Miller is the perfect candidate – if he fires then SA have a real chance in England. Miller also provides a backup keeping option having taken the gloves during the recent series against Sri Lanka.
- Dale Steyn
The ever dependable Dale Steyn has had his critics in the ODI game, but he still brings a wealth of experience and in English conditions could be a real handful with his away swingers with the new ball. The Steyn Remover is also closing in on 200 wickets, currently on 194 and will look to be the sixth South African bowler in history to reach the landmark.
- Kagiso Rabada
KG could be one of the stars of the tournament and will provide aggression and hostile pace up front. If he gets it right he could be a handful to opposition batsmen.
- Lungi Ngidi
Ngidi is also in the Rabada mould of fast bowlers and will want to cement his place in the side after various injuries. Ngidi will need to supply pace and accuracy in English conditions. This could just be the stage where he takes his career to the next level.
- Dwaine Pretorius
Dwaine Pretorius will be a crucial all-rounder in England with his medium fast swing and capable middle to lower order batting giving SA valuable runs. Pretorius is one of SA’s most reliable and economic bowlers and it will be up to him to keep things tight in England.
- Andile Phehlukwayo
Phehlukwayo will play a role similar to Dwaine with his all-round abilities giving SA another batting or bowling option in their XI if needed. Phehlukwayo has also proved in tight situations with bat and ball taking SA to victory against Australia and Pakistan in recent times.
- Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir will be SA’s most important player in the World Cup in England with his tidy and accurate leg spin. Tahir is a wicket-taker and will be called up to break partnerships. A real match winner when on song. Who wouldn’t mind seeing more over the top celebrations at the World Cup.
- Hashim Amla
Amla has not been in the best o form but you cannot leave a man out of the squad who has an average of over 50. Amla will rediscover his form and can be a match winner on his day. Experience is important in World Cups and he definitely brings this to the party.
- Anrich Nortje
The Warriors’ paceman will be a surprise inclusion if chosen, but in my opinion he brings raw pace and something new and fresh to the side. Nortje will be a wildcard for the opposition who has not seen much of him and he could just thrive on the seaming English pitches.
- Reeza Hendricks
Hendricks may not been the best form, but he has definitely done enough for World Cup selection. Hendricks scored a debut century against Sri Lanka in August last year, but has since been inconsistent, underperforming when compared to the talent he has. Hendricks will get better with time and this World Cup could be a great platform to show SA the form he usually shows at domestic level.
Players who just miss out: Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder and Heinrich Klaasen
