Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has made it clear that competition for places in South Africa’s 2027 World Cup squad is beginning to intensify, with the upcoming tour of Namibia providing another opportunity for players to put themselves into the conversation.
South Africa named a 15-player squad captained by Bjorn Fortuin for the T20I Tri-series against Namibia and Zimbabwe and the three-match ODI series against Namibia later this month.
While several senior Proteas have been rested ahead of a busy home summer, Conrad sees the tour as an opportunity to build international experience amongst the next group of players.
“I think this is an ideal opportunity to build some international caps amongst our younger players, whilst we’re obviously keeping one eye on what the summer looks like for some of our senior guys,” Conrad said.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup set to be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Conrad is already thinking about the type of squad he may eventually require.
One area where competition appears particularly interesting is spin.
Nqaba Peter returns to the Proteas setup and Conrad believes the wrist-spinner offers something different to South Africa’s other options.
“We don’t have a wrist-spinner, so to speak, and we see the value of wrist spin, especially in T20 cricket and ODI cricket,” he explained.
“I think the race is on for the spinners’ berths for the World Cup, and this is the first part of that race.”
Conrad pointed towards Keshav Maharaj as the player currently leading South Africa’s spin options, while also mentioning Simon Harmer and the country’s group of left-arm spinners.
But conditions at the World Cup could ultimately influence the balance of the squad.
“I think generally, in South African conditions, you lean towards seamers more than spinners.”
Duan Jansen gets his opportunity
One player who now has an opportunity to enter the international conversation is Duan Jansen.
The Titans all-rounder earned his maiden Proteas call-up following an impressive domestic season, and Conrad revealed that his performance in the One Day Cup final against the Lions particularly caught his attention.
“The one thing that stood out for me was watching that final against the Lions and how he managed quite a tricky period, with the bat especially,” Conrad said.
“We know that he often operates in the shadow of his twin brother (Marco), but he’s still got all the ingredients of becoming a quality all-rounder.”
Conrad stressed that Jansen should not simply be viewed as another left-arm seamer.
“At a domestic level, he’s a genuine all-rounder, and hopefully he can step up to the international fold as well.”
Jansen is also part of a growing group of seam-bowling all-rounders being monitored by the national setup.
Tiaan van Vuuren is another.
Conrad revealed that Van Vuuren had been earmarked for the upcoming South Africa A series against Bangladesh A before suffering an injury while playing in England.
“He’s definitely one of a burgeoning bunch of all-rounders that we’re looking at,” Conrad said.
“Another left-armer, swings the ball, hits the ball a long way as well.”
Gerald Coetzee still a major part of Proteas plans
Another significant name in the wider World Cup picture is Gerald Coetzee.
The fast bowler has been selected for South Africa A against Bangladesh A as he attempts to force his way back into the Proteas setup following a frustrating period of injuries.
Conrad revealed that Coetzee turned down another opportunity in England because of his desire to play for South Africa A and prove himself.
“He pretty much asked me to play in the A-side rather than go and play in the UK because he wants to impress,” Conrad revealed.
“And I think that’s a wonderful start when you’ve got a Gerald Coetzee that’s hungry to impress.”
The challenge now is keeping him on the field.
“His history is so checkered with injuries that he needs to learn to trust his body and, in turn, we then get to trust him.”
But Conrad left little doubt about how highly he still rates the fast bowler.
“Gerald forms a huge part of a pace attack going forward. He’s got genuine pace.”
Conrad even compared the potential role Coetzee could perform in ODI cricket to the role Liam Plunkett played for England during their victorious 2019 World Cup campaign – providing pace and bounce through the middle overs.
“Gerald’s a huge part of our thinking going forward. And I’m hopeful that the injury woes are something of the past and that he can put his pace foot forward and compete for the Proteas in all formats again.”
Bavuma being prepared for Australia
While younger players are being given opportunities in Namibia, Conrad confirmed that ODI captain Temba Bavuma remains firmly part of the plans.
Bavuma will instead play warm-up matches for the Lions as he prepares for South Africa’s upcoming international commitments.
“Temba’s big mission is obviously, or our big mission, is the ODI series against Australia, but more importantly, the Test series against Australia,” Conrad said.
“As we build the summer, the Test series – all the Tests – are the priority.”
Conrad confirmed Bavuma is fit and expects him to return for the opening ODI against Australia.
“We will definitely see him take the field for that first ODI against Australia.”
With opportunities being handed to younger players in Namibia, an SA A series against Bangladesh A running simultaneously and several established Proteas preparing for the home summer, the competition for places is beginning to take shape.
There is still more than a year before the World Cup.
But as Conrad put it when discussing South Africa’s spinners, the race is on.
Enjoy cricket beyond the headlines?
Every Friday, we take you deeper into the stories shaping South African cricket.
Join thousands of Cricket Fanatics and get the CFM Friday Edition free in your inbox.
Sign up below 👇
