The Proteas are keeping their cards close to their chest ahead of tonight’s first T20I against Australia at the Wanderers (6pm).
With in-form Temba Bavuma ruled out because of a hamstring injury, captain Quinton de Kock needs a new batting partner at the top of the innings.
Not having called up a direct replacement for Bavuma, the Proteas don’t have a regular opening batsman in their squad.
And De Kock is not about to give away their plans either, saying: “We have chatted about one or two options [top open the innings], but I can’t say who.
“We are open-minded about it, but we know who will open the batting…
“We are going to play our best team for the situation – it will be horses for courses.
“We haven’t decided the [rest of the] team yet.”
One option to open the batting is ex-captain Faf du Plessis, who will play in his first match since standing down as skipper in all formats.
HE’S BACK: Ex-SA captain Faf du Plessis. Picture: BACKPAGEPIX
Of Du Plessis’ return, De Kock says: “It’s great to have Faf back, he is excited about things going forward.
“He understands that he’s got a big role to play for us and is still seen as a leader by all of us.”
The second T20I will take place at St George’s Park on Sunday at 2.30pm.
Proteas:
Quinton de Kock (captain), Faf du Plessis, Bjorn Fortuin, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts, Dale Steyn, Pite van Biljon, Rassie van der Dussen.