Now that we’re through with 15 games of The Hundred, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how some of the potential Proteas contenders for the T20 World Cup squad as well as South African players in general have gone.
Unlike the T20 Blast, this competition has just eight teams with most of the best county cricketers as well as a number of reliable overseas pros. It’s been met with mixed reactions before its inception, but there’s been more positivity over the course of the games thus far.
With that being said, let’s get started on the Proteas watch.
Imran Tahir
The 42-year-old leg spinner undoubtedly has the same level of high energy no matter where he’s playing. He’s played in T20 tournaments just about everywhere, and his gig in the Hundred for the Birmingham Phoenix is something of a T20WC audition given that he hasn’t played at international level since the last World Cup. It’s been a rather innocuous outing for him so far, with just the 2 wickets in 4 games, as well as an economy rate of 1.52 per ball (which is about 9 an over). Expectations are understandably higher, provided his vast experience. The Proteas have unearthed a couple more spin options in more recent times, so Tahir will have his work cut out to press a case as a potential starter in the T20WC.
Tabraiz Shamsi
The in-form left-arm wristspinner was a more recent addition to the Hundred, when the Oval Invincibles announced his signing just inside two weeks ago. So far, he’s played the game against the Superchargers on Saturday. He went wicketless, but with a wealth of momentum from the away series against the West Indies and Ireland, expect the world’s No 1 T20I bowler to be back among the wickets as early as his next game. The World Cup will be held in naturally more spin-friendly conditions, so there will be plenty riding on South Africa’s frontline spinner for the foreseeable future.
Quinton de Kock
Arguably one of the most consistent white-ball wicketkeeper-batters, de Kock has played a couple of brief cameos in the Hundred for the Southern Brave. He smacked a 7-ball 21 in his first game against the Welsh Fire, and two games later, followed that up with a 14-ball 27 against the Superchargers. His team initially struggled, but they seem to be returning to winning ways at the moment. He’ll want to play a few big innings rather than provide a fast start. Given that he’s known for his versatility in addition to his power, it’s only a matter of time. Every game counts, given that there’s only one more international assignment between now and the most important tournament.
Marchant de Lange
It’s been five and a half years since the sprightly speedster last played for South Africa, but since then, he’s found greener pastures in the county circuit. He’s been a valuable contributor for Glamorgan and now Somerset, and he couldn’t have had a better start to the Hundred for the Trent Rockets. In his first game, he ran through the Southern Brave’s batting en route to a masterful 5-wicket haul, and took another 3 wickets in his very next game.
Leus du Plooy
Another South African county stalwart, the young left-hander got his first game for the Welsh Fire on Sunday. He was a wildcard pick for his franchise, and he’s gotten to work immediately. Normally known to bat up the order, du Plooy came in at No 5 and smashed an entertaining 22-ball 43 with 4 sixes to prop up Fire to a competitive total. They might have lost that game, but he’s provided a priceless middle-order finishing option. In addition, if absolutely necessary, he can bowl a bit of part-time left-arm spin. In late April, the South Western Districts side signed him on for the upcoming 2021-2022 South African domestic season. Not too long ago, du Plooy has stated his intentions to play for South Africa at some stage, and his county experience in all formats for Derbyshire could come in handy.
