“Kyle (Verreynne) would definitely get that position (number 5),” said Proteas Test captain, Dean Elgar, given that vice-captain, Temba Bavuma is yet to be declared fit for the first Test match between South Africa and West Indies in St Lucia.

“Kyle has been sitting on the sidelines in Proteas clothing for quite a while,” continued Elgar. If the medical team is not satisfied with

Bavuma’s fitness for the first Test, the Proteas could potentially field two debutants in Keegan Petersen and Kyle Verreynne.

Asked about the inclusion of 19-year-old West Indies bowler, Jayden Seales, Elgar cautioned against taking the West Indies lightly.

“Ultimately, we have to respect the players that West Indies brings to the squad.” Elgar continued, “There must be something special about each player selected.”

With Elgar’s emphasis on preparation leading into a Test series, Elgar said the team had endured challenging conditions over the last few days. “I think we’ve been thrown in the deep end quite a lot. On the first day, we had tough batting conditions.”

Elgar believes that difficult playing conditions will hold them in good stead when the series begins. “We’ve prepared well. It is something we can control.”

Elaborating on the conditions Elgar is expecting, “It’s a seamer-friendly pitch. If we apply ourselves, we can score runs. We played (the warm-up game) on a side strip, on a slope. The bowlers took advantage. We were pushed to the ultimate extreme.” The pitch that is likely to be used for the game, however, “seems flat and doesn’t have a slope.”