What flashes in your mind while imagining South Africa’s chances in ICC tournaments? Perhaps, it would be about missed opportunities and heartbreaks. However, amid all those gut-wrenching moments, there is one silver lining – South Africa’s only triumph in an ICC event came in a tournament which happens to be the previous version of the Champions Trophy – ICC Knockout tournament in 1998.
So, maybe, the 27-year jinx would come to an end for South Africa, in the upcoming Champions Trophy, in February and March this year. For starters, the squad that they have assembled is a good one.
For the opening slots, South Africa have enough options to partner Temba Bavuma – Ryan Rickleton and Tony de Zorzi. The shot-maker also has been in good form, having recently scored a double ton in a Test match against Pakistan. Rickleton also has some big shoes to fill as he will be assigned wicketkeeping duties, with the retirement of Quinton de Kock. De Zorzi also is known for playing a range of shots. If needed, South Africa can even promote Aiden Markram to top order positions.
Rob Walter, the white-ball coach of South Africa, said: “Temba and Tony have been at the top of the order and both done a really good job. There’s a potential for a few changes at the top of the order to give us a different balance of our side, which we may look into as we get closer to the tournament. A guy like Aidan Markram can be considered there in those two top spots.”
Rassir van der Dussan, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder make up a formidable middle-order. Among the lot, there are a few question marks over Miller. Is age catching up with one of the stalwarts of South Africa’s limited-overs cricket? The southpaw looked bereft of confidence in the ODI series versus Pakistan.
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The salient feature of South Africa’s fast-bowling resources is the inclusion of Anrich Nortje. Since opting out of a central contract last year, Nortje has been missing from South Africa’s starting line-ups. He has also been laid low by a string of injuries. Nortje, one of the quickest bowlers in world cricket, was selected ahead of Gerald Coetzee, who in turn was in impressiver form during the 2023 World Cup.
Perhaps Nortje’s experience of having played more games in subcontinental conditions gave him a slight edge over Coetzee. Lungi Ngidi, another experienced pacer, too has made a comeback from an injury. Meanwhile, Nandre Burger, the left-arm fast bowler, is out of contention with a back problem.
Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj will once more spearhead the spin attack. Maharaj, in particular, has grown in his role. The left-arm spinner is now pretty good at mixing up his pace and is also ready to give a bit of air from time to time. He would have to draw upon all his experiences to succeed, as at venues like in Karachi, the dew could come into the picture.
Verdict – South Africa once again look good to reach the semifinals from Group B.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.
Alongside South Africa, Afghanistan and England, Australia are also part of what looks like a tough group. In stark contrast to South Africa, Australia excelled in crunch situations, in ICC tournaments. They are the current holders of the 50-over World Cup trophy, having surprised the red hot Indian team, in their own den, in the summit clash.
The one setback is Pat Cummins, the captain, is presently battling an ankle injury. The fast bowler partook in a five-match Test series against India, which could have aggravated his injury. “We’ll work through that with Pat and obviously the selection panel and the medical team…but I know he’s very keen,” said George Bailey, the chief of selectors.
Cummins’ pace colleagues – Josh Hazlewood (calf problem) and Mitchell Starc (rib issue) have also had to wade through their share of injuries in the recent past. That is also an indicator that Australia are an ageing set-up. Even fringe players like Josh Inglis, Matthew Short and Nathan Ellis are around the 30-year-mark. The youngest member of the squad is the 25-year-old, seam-bowling all-rounder, Aaron Hardie. It is true that Australia are still winning almost all the trophies. But there could come a time when some of Australia’s veteran players would be out of form and they might have to usher in changes.
On paper, Australia have a settled side. The one missing link is the opener, David Warner, who in turn has retired from international cricket. So, Mitchell Marsh, the all-rounder, might end up opening the batting alongside the dangerous Travis Head. Matthew Short, who has had his issues against spin, could also be tried.
The middle order would comprise the experienced trio of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschage and Glenn Maxwell. Josh Inglis, who had the honour of leading Australia in an ODI series versus Pakistan, could pip Alex Carey in relation to wicketkeeping duties. The former is known for playing spin reasonably well. On the other hand, Australia would bank on Adam Zampa to snuff out batters in the middle overs, with his box of tricks.
Verdict – It would take a very brave man to bet against Australia not making it to the last-four of an ICC event. Although there is a gut feel that at some point they would not progress to the later stages of a 50-over ICC tournament. Is this the one?
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Also Read: New Zealand and Bangladesh – A bird’s-eye view of the two squads