Graeme Smith Captain's Squad: South Africa in England '08—Profiles, Part 2

Continuing on from my first article, here is Part 2 of the South African squad to tour England in July.

AB de Villiers: Perhaps this will be AB de Villiers' big breakthrough series. Often touted as the most promising talent in South African cricket, he was drafted into the side against England in 2004-5 and made his first century in the same series, with a classy 109 at Durban, after making 92 in the first innings.

He has struggled relatively since then, especially in Test matches, with only five hundreds in forty games, but he has a fine ODI record, and on the basis of the last year is developing into a genuinely exciting and quality player. At only 24, he has the ability to be a 100 cap player for South Africa.

40 Tests: 2571 runs @ 39.55 (5 x 100, 13 x 50)

Last 12 months: 12 matches: 814 runs @ 54.26 (2 x 100, 3 x 50)

Mark Boucher (wicketkeeper): At a time when England are still on the lookout for a long-term wicketkeeper, it is hard to believe that Boucher has been around for so long and played so many matches. He holds the Test record for dismissals, winning a battle fought with Adam Gilchrist by virtue of his younger age - he is still only 31, with plenty of cricket left in him.

The initial mutterings over Boucher were to do with his keeping rather than his batting, but these concerns have long since disappeared, and for 114 Tests, a batting average of 30 is eminently respectable in international cricket, especially when the obscenely good Gilchrist is taken out of the equation.

With no hundreds in the last year and only three fifties, his batting has looked a little creaky, with plenty of starts but failing to go on, but his stickability and skill with the bat should not be underestimated by England.

114 Tests: 4234 runs @ 30.02 (4 x 100, 28 x 50)

Last 12 months: 12 matches: 390 runs @ 27.85 (3 x 50)

JP Duminy: Duminy has yet to break into the Test side due to South Africa's consistent selection policy and Neil McKenzie's return from the international wilderness. He has impressed in ODI and first class cricket though, looking stylish and confident throughout his relatively short career thus far. He will probably find it difficult to gain a place in the team during this tour but will certainly be a factor in the one-day side. Aged 24, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future for him.

No Test matches: First class record: 43 matches: 2990 runs @ 52.45 (8 x 100)

Mornie Morkel: Unlike his older brother Albie, Morne Morkel has broken into South Africa's Test side. A fast bowler, he played his first Test against India in 2006, but had to wait a year for his next appearance. He has yet to totally convince, but possesses genuine pace. He took eight wickets in the recent series in India, and whilst his strike rate is good, he tends to disappear for runs.

If South Africa opt not to play a spinner in this series he may well get a run in the side, but otherwise he faces stiff competition from Monde Zondeki and Andre Nel for the third seamer's spot. He is no mug with the bat, and could be used to bolster a distinctly fragile lower order.

6 Tests: 112 runs @ 18.66, 17 wickets @ 32.35 (1 x 5W)

Last 12 months: 5 matches: 54 runs @ 10.80, 14 wickets @ 31.35 (1 x 5W)

Robin Peterson: Peterson seems to have been around for ages. He made his Test debut in 2003 against Bangladesh, but has always been a peripheral figure in the South African side, playing only six matches. Unless the Proteas surprise everyone and play two spinners, he is likely to remain a squad player during this tour as well, as Paul Harris has seized his opportunity and become the number one spinner.

An extremely able batsman, with four first class centuries as well as over 220 wickets, he could potentially fill an all-round role, but in all probability he will be carrying the drinks. He did take a five-for against Bangladesh in February in Harris' absence, but his last Test before that was in 2004.

6 Tests: 163 runs @ 27.16 (1 x 50), 14 wickets @ 35.50 (1 x 5W)

Last 12 months: 1 match: 4 runs @ 4.00, 6 wickets @ 15.66 (1 x 5W)

The final part of this series will follow soon.

Click here for Part 1