FILE - Proteas all-rounder Corbin Bosch, left, could be a game-changer for the Proteas batting at No 9 during the Champions Trophy in Pakistan
Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP
If the Proteas’ warm-up match against New Zealand is anything to go, then runs are going to flow on the batting-friendly playing surfaces in Pakistan during the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Pitches in Pakistan are flat and considered batting paradises for batsmen in winter. Scores of over 300 are par for the course in 50-over matches at this time of the year.
South Africa compiled a healthy 304/6 in their allotted 50-overs, but the Kiwis managed to cruise to victory with eight balls to spare to win by six wickets. While the Proteas didn’t have many of their star players because of the recently completed SA20 final, it was still quite a walk in the park for New Zealand.
Team selection is going to be a big issue heading into a tournament, with coaches having to decide whether they pack their team with batsmen to blast the opposition or go in lighter on the batting side and pack the team with bowlers to contain the scoring.
However, a third option could be the way to go for the Proteas, especially after adding Corbin Bosch to the team in the absence of speedsters Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee due to injury.
Packing the team with all-rounders may be the answer, as it lengthens the Proteas’ batting while also giving them a lot of bowling options to try and share the load when teams are having a go with bat in hand.
The Proteas have picked three genuine all-rounders in the squad for the Champions Trophy, with Bosch joining Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen on the trip.
In theory, all three can start for South Africa in a match. While they are all seamers, they bring a different element to the Proteas.
Jansen is one of the world’s best new-ball bowlers in white-ball cricket, and a player who offers variety as his left-arm swing bowler, who also gets plenty of bounce. But he is a player who can be a match winner batting at No 8, with long levers able to hit the big shots at the death of an innings.
Mulder is a right-arm swing bowler, who can essentially bowl wicket-to-wicket with plenty of variation. His medium pace, however, is something that batsmen tend to go after on flat wickets. However, at No 7, he brings a genuine batting option, a guy that can play proper cricket shots but can also clear the fence with ease.
Bosch scored a magnificent 81 not out on Test debut against Pakistan, but his true value is his ability to bowl at over 145km/h. Genuine pace is always a positive on slow wickets. But to be able to do that and make meaningful contributions with the bat is even better.
With a player like Bosch coming in at No 9, it allows the top order to continue playing an attacking brand of cricket, even after the power play is done. It’s what the Proteas enjoy to do, especially with players such as Tristan Stubbs, Henrich Klaasen and David Miller in the middle-order.
Unfortunately, the Proteas don’t have a spinning all-rounder, with George Linde not considered for the trip. There is the mystery spin of Tabraiz Shamzi, and he is likely to play alongside left-arm tweaker Keshav Maharaj and replace an all-rounder when the pitch is dry more conducive to taking spin.
But that should be the only reason why the Proteas don’t go into a game with three all-rounders, especially as captain Aiden Markram is also a handy off-spinner who can contribute a few overs.
South Africa have to think out of the box in Pakistan on those flat pitches, and playing three genuine all-rounders may just be the way to go in the Champions Trophy.
Proteas squad for Champions Trophy
Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Marco Jansen (North West Dragons), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), David Miller (Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), and Rassie van der Dussen (Lions).
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