Through the endless stream of distractions, delays, crises and catastrophes, we might have lost sight of one of the core issues the Proteas need to address on the field.
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Questions of transformation and corruption must be probed in board rooms and perhaps courtrooms, but there is something that South African cricket needs to be settled on the field, and that is the hunt for Test batsmen.
The first-class franchise season gets underway at the beginning of November and takes centre stage at the start of the South African summer.
South Africa’s fast bowling arsenal appears to be well-stocked with more players coming through the pipeline than franchises now what to do with quality batsmen, however, remain in short supply.
All the franchises seem to have at least one promising talent bubbling under the surface and ready to make their big breakthrough.
In Durban, Hollywoodbets Dolphins skipper Marques Ackerman is likely aware of how much is expected of him in the future. Still, he should be especially keen to kick on this season as the franchise seeks to consolidate gains in red-ball cricket.
He made already have made his breakthrough into the Test team but Cape Cobras captain Zubayr Hamza is another young man who might feel that he needs a big season or at least a strong run in the first-class game ahead of the international season.
There will be less pressure on 21-year-old Matthew Breetzke at the Warriors, but he is someone who could just force his way into the Proteas conversation with an impressive franchise red-ball showing this term. One of many wicketkeeper batsmen he will do well to focus on his batting to push his case forward.
At the Titans, it is tough to envision any young batsmen breaking into a settled and international-laden top order, but 23-year-old left-hander Kabelo Sekhukhune could spring a few surprises if given an opportunity.
For the defending champions, the Lions, Ryan Rickelton may just shed the T20 player tag if he can replicate the form he showed in the 2019/20 season. Another bruising left-hander who also keeps wicket he is one of the most exciting batsmen on the franchise scene right now and stands out in a team that has some terrific talents.
The Knights have a batsman who may yet be king in former Proteas Under-19 skipper Raynard van Tonder, but the young man will need to show that he has the appetite for big runs before he gets that Proteas cap.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
