South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 5th ODI, 5 Talking Points

Modified Mar 04, 2017 15:13 IST

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 04: Kagiso Rabada of South Africa bowls during game five of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park on March 4, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) — Rabada set Eden Park on fire with an incredible spell of bowling

#1 The No. 4 debate

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 12: AB de Villiers (L) and JP Duminy of South Africa bump fists while batting during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates at Wellington Regional Stadium on March 12, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) — de Villiers may be a better fit at his usual No. 4

South Africa came into this series with their top 6 fixed for the Champions Trophy. But there seems to be a sudden change of plans in the batting order with JP Duminy walking in ahead of AB de Villiers in the last three games.

While Duminy's woeful form could be one factor that has prompted de Villiers to try him at 4, where he has enjoyed batting in Tests in recent times. However, the southpaw has not clicked and de Villiers has not probably been able to play with the freedom he gets at 4.

While the Proteas skipper was in sensational form right through the series, it is a known secret in cricket that the best batsmen have to come as early as possible. With the Champions Trophy approaching this seems like an unnecessary experiment by the Proteas.

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Edited by Staff Editor