In light of the news that Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the England Test series due to a fracture to his fourth left finger, we take a look at some possible opener replacements.
Pieter Malan
Already in the squad, the Cobras opener was part of the Proteas squad before but never had the chance to debut. He is the direct replacement for Markram or Elgar, so this should be a no brainer selection. If the 30-year-old debuts and does well, he will plug a temporary hole in the lineup and give Markram the time he needs to recover and find his form again. Ever since moving to the Cobras, he has stood out, particularly in the 2017/18 4-Day Franchise season, when he scored 892 averaging 55, to finish third on the charts. He followed this up with an almost identical season, scoring 821 runs and averaging 51, which had selectors on high alert. His overall first-class figures are 10161, at an average of 49.33 with 42 half-centuries and 32 centuries.
Edward Moore
Moore is having an incredible season to back up his return last season. He was second on the log last year, with 921 runs at an average of 51.16. This season, after 5 matches, he sits second once again having scored a double century and averaging 54.22. His call up seems unlikely after he missed out on South Africa A selection, but he still remains a shiny prospect.
Reeza Hendricks
Hendricks is a fan favourite, who has played 48 games for the Knights and 24 games for the Lions. His average at first class level for both franchises is 31 and 36 respectively. Nonetheless, he has been identified as capable talent to take the next step in the longest format, after already breaking into the national side in both the T20 and ODI format. He recently was called up to the SA A squad for the warm-up against England.
Janneman Malan
The 23-year-old signed to the Cobras last season and impressed instantly, scoring 564 runs at an average of 51. His claim to fame, however, was when he scored 1046 runs in the 3-Day Cup in 2017/18, at an average of 95 that included 4 centuries and 5 half-centuries. Although he missed out on SA A selection, fans have been calling out for his selection in the Proteas side. He has already racked up two centuries and a half-century for the Cobras this season having played just 5 matches.
Other unfavourable options:
– Move Quinton de Kock to opener and give Rudi Second or Kyle Verreynne their debut as keeper.
– Find a place for Keegan Petersen
– Call up the current 21-year-old 4-Day Franchise Series top scorer and former SA U19 captain Raynard van Tonder prematurely
Let us know who you’d like to see replace Markram in the comments below.
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix