Four issues for the Proteas before the Pakistan ODI series

The Proteas’ build-up towards the World Cup shifts to a higher gear on Saturday when a five-match ODI series against Pakistan commences in Port Elizabeth.

Yet, while the Test side is on stable ground and basking in a 3-0 series whitewash over their current opponents, the change in format could represent a shift in fortunes through a combination of factors.

Captain Faf du Plessis on Friday addressed five issues surrounding him and his troops before the series start.

The ODI series WON’T go like the Tests

Obviously the Test series went well, but Pakistan will be the first to admit from a performance perspective that their one-day team is much stronger than their Test outfit. It will be a nice challenge for us. Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017 and we’re a ODI team that’s still trying to find balance in certain areas. There are still things we need to look at and we have an opportunity for that.

The all-rounder question – a guy who can bat at No 7 and bowl a bit – stubbornly remains

It’s an answer I’m hoping to give everyone when this series is over. We’re certainly hoping over the next five games – but also the series against Sri Lanka – that from all the all-rounders present, like Andile Phehlukwayo, Wiaan Mulder, Chris Morris and Dwaine Pretorius you at least have one or two putting up their hands and shouting ‘pick me!’.

Stalwarts may be ‘sacrificed’ to give rookies a few more chances

If it’s still a case of we need a few more answers in terms of the balance of the side, then one guy who’s nailed a spot for the World Cup will possibly have to give up an opportunity for someone else. But, in saying that, if a guy has come in and taken his opportunity, it’s easy to keep them in the side. 

Rassie and Duanne need to make their form count

Rassie (van der Dussen) is new to the ODI side. I was impressed with him in the T20 series against Zimbabwe. It was really hard to fit him in for the short trip to Australia because there was a lot of competition. Then he had a great Mzansi Super League and he’s really knocked on the door. It’s a great time for him to get an opportunity after all the runs he’s scored.

It’s the same with Duanne (Olivier). We continue to look at X-factor players. He’s possibly a nice backup seamer for the established group of fantastic seamers in Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. 

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