KEY PLAYER Kagiso Rabada will be one of the key players for the Proteas at the Champions Trophy. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
While it’s unclear just how the Proteas will fare in the Champions Trophy, there are a number of players that will have a big influence on how the team does at the only senior men’s ICC event South Africa has ever won.
The Proteas are also in what has been referred to as the ‘Group of Death’ alongside Australia, England and Afghanistan.
Although that may not quite be the case, as none of the teams in the group will be considered contenders for the title.
As such, the Proteas may fancy their chances as they come into the event with low expectations. Here are five players that could swing it for South Africa.
The leader of the Proteas bowling attack, Kagiso Rabada will have to set the tone with the ball. He is perhaps the most dependable player in the Proteas side, and he normally produces when it matters most.
Skipper and opening batsman, Temba Bavuma has the chance to get South Africa off to a good start with the willow. He could provide a solid anchor for his side, allowing power-hitters like Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs to launch late innings assaults.
Coming into the squad as a late replacement for Anrich Nortje, the fast bowling allrounder Corbin Bosch could have a big impact on the expected slow pitches in Pakistan and the UAE. Bosch may also be entrusted with the enforcer role with his serious pace with the ball.
The swashbuckling, innovative strokemaker Tristan Stubbs always has the potential to turn an innings for the Proteas. With one of the best reverse sweeps in the game today, his performance against opposition spinners could prove vital.
The left-arm quick Marco Jansen will add much needed firepower to the Proteas bowling attack. With his steep bounce helped by his height, he could prove the perfect foil for Rabada in the Proteas attack. Jansen will also provide some heavy hitting coming in down the order, that the Proteas may just turn to when it comes to setting scores or chasing down totals.