"A big, strong, strapping boy" - Coach says Tristan Stubbs will be South Africa's new Test no. 3

South African red-ball coach Shukri Conrad has confirmed that the "big, strong, strapping" batter Tristan Stubbs would be the Proteas' new Test number three, starting from the upcoming away series against the West Indies. He said apart from his technique against the new ball, Stubbs will also bring a "good aura" to the team's top three.

Stubbs played his first and only Test so far against India last year where he batted at number four. That was also the last Test for a full-strength South African side with Dean Elgar opening alongside Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi coming at one-down. With Subbs, de Zorzi will be promoted to the top, allowing captain Temba Bavuma at four.

"Technique is obviously a big factor because you're going to be facing the new ball the bulk of the time," Conrad said in a pre-series press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"And he's quite an imposing character, a big, strong, strapping boya big, strong, strapping boy, and I quite like that. I like the fact that at the top of the order, there are quite imposing guys; guys that have got a good aura about them and strong body language."

Stubbs has made giant strides since his international debut in 2022. In T20s, he has become a lynchpin of not only the Proteas but also countless franchises around the world.

His red-ball cricket sample size is small but packs a punch: 1205 runs in 18 matches at an average of over 50, including an unbeaten 302 in February.

"Going to give him a good run" - Conrad on Stubbs

The two West Indies-South Africa Tests begin on August 7, after which the Proteas will play Bangladesh away in October and then host Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Conrad already declared his long-term backing for Stubbs, saying:

"I'm going to give him a good run. I'd be surprised if we didn't back him throughout the rest of the cycle. I'm pretty confident Tristan is going to come good."

South Africa are currently seventh in the World Test Championship standings.