With a healthy lead of 22 points over the nearest contender, South Africa are well-placed at the top of the Test rankings and have cemented themselves as the world’s best. Reaching that peak, however, was largely due to the persistent appearance of a settled squad, a squad where each member was familiar with their slot and where they fit into this consistently brilliant team.
Concerns arose as to whether this team would be able to maintain their amazing standards upon the retirement of two great stalwarts in the form of Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith. Both played key roles in aiding South Africa’s quest to reach the top and supporters were understandably perturbed at the thought of needing to replace both their captain and the world’s greatest all-rounder. A tour to Sri Lanka and West Indies’ visit to South Africa proved that it would take much more than two retirements to unsettle this resilient team, and Hashim Amla admirably lead South Africa to two series victories. Now, though, with the absence of their recently retired established opener, Alviro Petersen, the startlingly spectacular AB De Villiers being on paternity leave and Dane Piedt and Kyle Abbott being left out, four debutants have attained the opportunity to impress, to make a name for themselves in South African cricket.
Many international viewers will be wondering who these fresh faces are and precisely what they will be bringing to the party. Each of them performs a different role and could play a crucial part in South Africa maintaining their tight grip on that Test mace with a series victory against Bangladesh.
Reeza Hendricks
The 25-year-old opening batsman has been a regular part of the South Africa A cricket team since 2012 and currently plies his trade for the Knights locally. He made his T20 debut in Australia in November 2014 and with an opening spot in the Test line up becoming available, alongside Dean Elgar, will be hoping to grab his chance with both hands. Selector Andrew Hudson has already drawn comparisons with David Warner and has expressed hope that he can translate his exceptional talent in the shorter formats to the longer version of the game. He will have to battle against Stiaan van Zyl for that opening spot though, a batsman who recently made his debut in the December series against the West Indies. Although more suited to the number three position, the position he bats at for his franchise, Temba Bavuma also waits in the wings, so Hendricks has plenty of competition for that opening role.
Dane Vilas
The almost 30-year-old wicketkeeper/batsmen has barely had a chance to impress since his T20 debut against India in March 2012. His success in both the domestic Sunfoil Series and One Day Cup with the Cape Cobras has lead to his call-up. While his middle-order batting prowess has been well displayed on the local circuit, he is unlikely to be given a starting berth and has been drafted in primarily as the reserve wicket keeper. In AB De Villiers’ absence, it is largely expected that Quinton De Kock will put on the gloves, leaving Vilas with a slim opportunity of game time.
Aaron Phangiso
Having established himself as a regular in both the T20 and ODI teams and even being part of the World Cup squad, Phangiso is no stranger to international cricket. His test debut, however, comes only at the age of 31 and his primary role for the Bangladesh tour will be his left-arm spin bowling which will come in handy in the subcontinent. With his success in the shorter formats, he should definitely be given the chance to try his hand in the Test arena.
Kagiso Rabada
The youngest of the quartet of debutants, at 20 years old, the right-arm fast bowler faces the unenviable task of displacing the established quickies of Morkel, Steyn and Philander whose tandem Test success is unparalleled. However, with his recent vital role in the U19’s winning the World Cup last year and his record breaking 14 wickets in a single first class match on the domestic circuit in February, the Highveld Lions man certainly deserves an opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage. With South Africa’s fast bowlers in their early 30s, a rejuvenated youngster will certainly spice things up a bit.
Whether or not these four players become mainstays in the Test side, it is worth affording them a run ahead of the bumper 2015/16 season ahead. Perhaps a gem will be unearthed, one that will benefit this riveting Test side in maintaining their No. 1 status for years to come.
