Four candidates to fill AB’s void in white-ball cricket

The national selectors on Monday gave a glimpse into their thinking post the AB de Villiers era after announcing the ODI squad for a five-match series against Sri Lanka next month.

Yet while interesting batsmen have been chosen, there’s still not a lot of clarity on who’ll fulfill the crucial spot vacated by the legendary stroke-maker.

We examine the potential candidates.

AIDEN MARKRAM

South Africa’s Test opener is the most likely man to be tested as a middle-order batter in the ODI side.

Markram made his highest score to date – 66 – batting at No 4 last season against Bangladesh and probably would’ve been given an extended run there had he not have to replace the injured Faf du Plessis as captain in the series against India.

He arguably possesses the best all-round game to cope with the dynamic demands of having to bat at 4 in a 50-over battle.

JP DUMINY

JP Duminy. Photo: Gallo Images.

One tends to forget that the experienced left-hander, who retired from Test cricket last year, is still around for one last tilt at World Cup glory.

There was a short period in 2016 – notably in the ODI series whitewash of Australia – where the 34-year-old performed really well at No 4.

It’s more likely though that he’ll float between 4 and 5 but he’s adept in both positions, specifically because it suits his natural game.

HEINRICH KLAASEN

Heinrich Klaasen. Photo: Gallo Images.

The Titan star was one of the few shining lights in white-ball cricket for the national side, playing a few promising innings in ODIs and also smacking a match-winning 69 in a T20 against the Indians.

Klaasen is a good enough player to be picked as a specialist batsman but his status as a wicketkeeper count against him, especially with Quinton de Kock established at the top of the order?

DAVID MILLER

David Miller. Photo: Gallo Images.

It’s unlikely to happen but if the Proteas want to make a ballsy statement, Miller’s promotion would be it.

Known as one of the better “finishers” in the world game, some observers believe the explosive left-hander’s talents are wasted lower down the order and could be maximised if he bats earlier.

It’s an interesting thought as Miller certainly does have the technical ability to be versatile enough to bat higher. His recent first-class record attests to that.