South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODIs: Series preview

#4 A contest for places in the South African bowling Line-up

Dwaine Pretorius is one of the bowlers looking to seal a spot in the World Cup squad

When the Proteas try to break their World Cup jinx, they would have the expertise of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada to help them. The departure of Duanne Olivier is a setback, especially after his brilliant efforts this season, but the comeback of Lungi Ngidi is likely to fill that gap nicely.

Then, there are some other names vying for a spot in the line-up. Andile Phehlukwayo has been in the team for a long time and has managed to retain his place through consistent wicket-taking. However, those wickets have not always been the result of great bowling. He is yet to prove himself as a dangerous bowler who can get good wickets. His batting, though, is an asset.

Wiaan Mulder is in the team in the capacity of an all-rounder but his bowling didn’t seem too sharp in the series against Pakistan. He and Phehlukwayo may be fighting for the all-rounder’s spot in the team.

With Steyn, Rabada, and Ngidi certain to be the first choice options in a three-man pace attack, the fourth bowler spot is the only one available at the moment. Dwaine Pretorius seems the most capable bowler but he too is yet to settle at this level.

Amongst Nortje, Phehlukwayo, Pretorius, and Mulder, which one takes it is worth watching out for.