What may seem like a hiccup to Proteas coach Ottis Gibson is turning into something of a sweet selection headache ahead of the World Cup.
Injuries to the likes of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, veteran allrounder JP Duminy and Wiaan Mulder had the boss and the Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection committee scrambling.
They had planned to use the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan get their team sharpening up for the tournament in England from May.
But all of a sudden, they have some more players thrown into the equation.
In comes batsman Rassie van der Dussen and, after some more shuffling around, Duanne Olivier is also in the mix.
So let’s look at what Gibbo has to look out for.
LEKKE HEADACHE: Proteas boss Ottis Gibson. Photo:SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX
Hard-hitting Van der Dussen has been knocking on the door to the limited-overs teams for quite a while now.
And having top scores in the inaugural Mzansi Super League tournament late last year for eventual champions the Jozi Stars, he is bang on form.
His record-breaking feats basically forced the hand of the selectors, who have been opening the Proteas batting line-up with Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock in recent years.
Van der Dussen gave a lesson in long-range hitting and his match-winning ability is pretty much for all to see.
ALLROUNDER: JP Duminy is the team veteran. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
After making his T20 International debut not too long ago, a fifty in one of only two innings shows he may just be ready to make the step up to the next level at the age of 29.
Up front, he can be really destructive and he should dovetail into the team nicely with domestic teammate Reeza Hendricks, who is in great form himself, also beginning to establish himself in the international game.
Van der Dussen’s presence will put pressure on Amla and Aiden Markram, who need to show that they can anchor the side and continue to score big runs.
It gets even more exciting in the bowling setup, where SA cricket’s man on the moment, fast bowler Olivier, has been called up for his one-day debut.
On the back of a sensational Test series against Pakistan, he is back to torment them again for five more games.
FORM: Rassie van der Dussen forced his way in. Photo:MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX
His aggression can translate into the limited-overs game, but he knows that he will have to be more disciplined and varied.
But it’s his ability to make the opposition play constantly that will make him such a dangerous customer.
Of course, the aggression of both these guys will have to be tempered in the side to give the Proteas the right balance
However, their intensity will be a great asset for Gibson and it will be awesome to see that rub off on the side.