ONGAMA GCWABE

Playing in India, we need our best players of spin and we need guys who have the experience and success in the subcontinent conditions.

Theunis Bruyn has quietly become one of the senior batsmen in the team. It is only fair to give him a go in India after his magnificent maiden century in Sri Lanka last year. 

There’s no use in playing three fast bowlers in India because we know the conditions won’t favour fast bowling.

In my opinion, we have to give Senuran Muthusamy a chance at No 7 and see how he handles the role because he gives us depth in batting and is a formidable spinner as well. 

Dean Elgar bowled well in the last tour to India, his off-spin and De Bruyn’s slow pace will complement our bowling attack perfectly should they be required to bowl. Markram’s right-arm, off-breakers can also be a bonus if need be.

1 Dean Elgar
2 Aiden Markram
3 Theunis de Bruyn
4 Temba Bavuma
5 Faf du Plessis (c)
6 Quinton de Kock
7 Senuran Muthusamy
8 Vernon Philander
9 Dane Piedt
10 Keshav Maharaj
11 Kagiso Rabada

MOGAMMAD ALLIE

A balanced bowling unit is imperative to success in India. Fortunately for the Proteas, there is a plethora of variation in the current squad.

As if playing fewer than two spinners in India is even an option, the injury to Jasprit Bumrah will likely lead to the preparation of even more spin-friendly conditions.

Keshav Maharaj is the incumbent spinner and Dane Piedt has had success with the Proteas as well as being familiar with the conditions having formed part of CSA’s spin camps and the South Africa A tour.

I was tempted to throw in Wiaan Mulder who is coming off a ton for the SA A side, but I believe that having an extra specialised batsman is more vital.

De Bruyn was a shining light during the Proteas struggles in Sri Lanka so he must start, while Zubayr Hamza’s quality against spin can not be ignored for the first Test against India.

1 Dean Elgar
2 Aiden Markram
3 Theunis de Bruyn
4 Temba Bavuma
5 Faf du Plessis (c)
6 Zubayr Hamza
7 Quinton de Kock
8 Vernon Philander
9 Kagiso Rabada
10 Dane Piedt
11 Keshav Maharaj