South Africa's Selection Headache Is Both Positive and Negative for Proteas

South Africa face a selection dilemma ahead of their next World Cup clash against Pakistan. It’s not the usual selection dilemma where they have to decide what happens with their number seven slot. This time, it’s more complicated.

With Vernon Philander and JP Duminy expected to return from injury, the selection dilemma centres around finding a way to reward players who took their opportunities in the two matches where they were just stand-ins.

Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw both put in impressive performances in their last two games, where they served as substitutes. Abbott has found a rhythm that has been lacking in his bowling, while Rilee Rossouw continued on the good form he showed during the ODI series against the West Indies.

Captain AB de Villiers has already said that nobody is guaranteed a spot in the team, but he did mention that he has been very pleased with the way Abbott has played in the last two games:

"Abbo has played a lot of cricket domestically. He plays with his heart on his sleeve. He has a lot of passion for the game and for the team. You know what you're going to get from him and that's 100 percent commitment every time. He is a very easy guy to captain and the way he has bowled has pleased me a lot. But no one is guaranteed a spot. We will pick the best team for the conditions and the opposition."

Leaving out JP Duminy, a player who scored a century, and Vernon Philander, an integral part of the bowling team, would be hard to justify.

But there are a few possible solutions.

The simplest solution is to drop Farhaan Behardien, who has been unremarkable in his outings thus far. Whether Abbott or Rossouw steps in to replace him will depend, as De Villiers mentioned, on conditions. The swing and seam expected in New Zealand might push Abbott forward just a touch in order to help restrict Pakistan and will also allow De Villiers to give some of his more senior bowlers a breather.

Alternatively, Rossouw could step in to replace Behardien, a move that will significantly strengthen the batting line-up. It will, however, require some clever thinking when it comes to the bowling duties.

Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir can bowl 10 overs each, but that still leaves 10 overs to be found elsewhere. Duminy can complete the bulk of those, but De Villiers will then have to rely on either Faf du Plessis or himself to make up the numbers.

A more left-field solution is to drop Quinton de Kock. De Kock has struggled since returning from injury, and while he has formed a solid relationship with Hashim Amla at the top of the order, he has not been up to scratch in the World Cup. Giving De Kock some reprieve for a few games will allow him to find his zen once again. Rossouw can open with De Villiers taking over wicketkeeping duties.

All in all, South Africa have the luxury of choice.  It’s not a bad thing, but it’s enough to make you glad that you’re not a selector.

All quotes and information obtained firsthand.