Stat attack: Pieter Malan top scorer in last 3 MODC seasons

With the unlocking of ‘Vision 2023’, it could be an interesting assessment to determine which local players have been prominent in domestic cricket over the past few seasons.

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In terms of the Momentum One Day Cup, which provides the most ideal ‘trial’ for ODI cricket, this gauge will focus on the highest run-scorers over the most recent tournaments.

The pecking order will favour the players who had not played much – or any – international cricket for the Proteas during the respective seasons as they had not been “absent” in the domestic league.

If a player consistently plays most of his matches for his franchise, without any national commitments, then this would put him in better stead of topping the overall run-scoring standings.

It therefore provides an interesting evaluation of what sort of players could provide back up to the broader Proteas contingent of batsmen.

It is also important to note that young players who had just started out their semi-professional careers in the last season or two would also be set back from making it on to the list.

This evaluation merely centres around which batsmen had been accomplished and consistent servants to South Africa domestically. Without eliminating too many variables, such as now-retired players, new additions or players serving national duties, only the last three seasons were assessed.

Experienced opener Pieter Malan tops the total runs-scoring chart in the MODC over the last three seasons, amassing 1295 runs in 30 innings with a solid average of 43.17.

The 31-year-old had made his Test debut earlier this year and although his age is somewhat ripe, the Cape Cobras star may still have a point to prove, particularly in the one-day format of the game.

The Dolphins’ Sarel Erwee has been nipping at Malan’s heels, scoring a total 1234 runs in 29 innings, which included four unbeaten spells. The 31-year-old, however, accumulated a higher average than his main rival of 49.36.

The likes of JJ Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram had been largely successful in domestic cricket but had also spent a considerable time away from the league due to national commitments. Markram’s average speaks for itself.