The Big Debate: Extra batter or all-rounder for Proteas?

Proteas captain Faf du Plessis on Wednesday admitted that South Africa still have to figure out the balance of their Test side, especially in Vernon Philander’s absence.

It’s either bringing in an extra specialist batsman or picking another all-rounder.

Two of our writers debate the issue.

KEN BORLAND SAYS: Pick Andile Phehlukwayo as all-rounder 

Mental strength: There are no questions over Phehlukwayo’s ability to handle the pressure at international level. He was thrown into the deep end in ODIs as a 20-year-old last year and already averages 44.33 with the bat and has an economy rate of 5.87 in his 17 one-day internationals. What isn’t shown in the stats is the number of match-winning performances he has produced.

Bowling consistency: As the fourth seamer behind Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel and Duanne Olivier, Phehlukwayo’s role would not be that of a strike bowler, for which someone like Wayne Parnell would be better suited. Instead, the Proteas attack needs someone who can support those out-and-out fast bowlers through creating relentless pressure via a consistent line and length. Young and fit, Phehlukwayo can plug up one end while the Proteas attack at the other by rotating their three strike bowlers.

Batting maturity: Having already proven he knows how to chase down totals, Phehlukwayo showed last week that he has the nous to also play a defensive game as his three-hour innings helped salvage an unlikely draw for the Dolphins against a powerful Titans attack. It shows he can recognise the situation and adapt his game accordingly.

Fresh coach, fresh ideas: Ottis Gibson will bring fresh thinking to the Proteas, which is good because rolling stones gather no moss. The new coach was at Centurion to watch Phehlukwayo’s impressive display and the likes of Parnell and Vernon Philander might be considered moss in his eyes. Like masala in a good curry, Phehlukwayo also sprinkles his performances with enough x-factor to get someone thinking “What a guy!” He has tremendous variations in his bowling and some of his strokeplay is breathtaking.

HEINZ SCHENK SAYS: Bring in a specialist batsmen in Theunis de Bruyn

Pitfalls of the all-rounder theory: No-one can deny an all-rounder is great if the candidate is a proven performer like Ben Stokes or Moeen Ali. But the Proteas are still struggling to find a consistent one. Also, all-rounders have the potential to make teammates complacent because they know there’s a versatile player to back them up if they fail. All-rounders influence responsibility negatively.

Technique: It’s safe to assume when the new ball is taken that a No 6 of 7 batsmen will be at the crease. Picking De Bruyn in that position means the Proteas have a player there who’s used to facing the new ball, even if the innings is already 80 overs old. That provides stability.

Mentality: A modern Test batsmen needs to score at a quick rate. Not only is that in keeping up with the quicker nature of red-ball cricket nowadays, it puts bowling sides under pressure. De Bruyn fits the bill perfectly. His strike-rate in first class cricket is an excellent 66 and he also likes making big scores. His highest score is an unbeaten 202, while he smashed a superb 195 last week for the Knights. More importantly, it took him only 259 balls.

He’s a bowler: Indeed, De Bruyn is seamer who plug an end for a captain should that be required. That’s never a bad thing in an emergency.