To back pace in India or to turn to a spinner with limited experience, that is the choice facing the Proteas.
The Proteas have the frontline spin roles pretty much covered but a lack of a spin-bowling allrounder could hurt them in India.
While the domestic scene has quite a few players who might fit the bill, a lack of experience and game time in green and gold is a problem ahead of a Cricket World Cup in India.
The fact that this is an ICC tournament is likely to mean that the pitches are unlikely to be diabolical turners, however, that doesn’t mean that the Proteas can get away with sticking to seam-bowling allrounders.
South Africa have made sparing use of George Linde and Imaad Fortuin as potential spin-bowling allrounders, although the former has had sparse opportunities, and the latter has not impressed with the bat.
Linde has played just two ODIs and he was the top-performing spinner in last season’s List A competition.
The Western Province left-armer has not played at all for the Proteas since 2021.
Linde has received the odd call-up but has spent more time in the Proteas dressing room than out on the park.
Fortuin has only played five ODIs which reveals how the Proteas have approached selection of spin options over the last few years.
Fortuin and Linde continue to be the domestic standouts, especially in the white-ball formats, but opportunities don’t seem to be forthcoming.
The Proteas only have the series against Australia to put together their final preparations for the Cricket World Cup.
It will be interesting to note who makes that squad and whether a spin-bowling allrounder will be considered.
Another Western Province left-armer, Kyle Simmonds, might be considered for a shock selection.
However, it appears far more likely that the specialists, aided by Aiden Markram, will be the road the Proteas go down under Rob Walter.
