With their fast bowlers battling injury, ex-Proteas Vincent Barnes believes South Africa’s spinners can bring them glory at the World Cup.
Youngster, Anrich Nortje pulled out of the Proteas squad earlier this week after suffering a finger injury and was replaced by allrounder Chris Morris.
Furthermore, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada have all had injury concerns ahead of the tournament.
And with coach Ottis Gibson building his team around his pacemen, Barnes is not too concerned.
He tells Independent Media: “Spin has always been a weapon in one-day cricket.
“It will be very conditions dependent, but there is every chance that pitches could be very dry. I remember the World T20 back in 2009 when we encountered very dry pitches because it was a very hot English summer that year.
“This World Cup is being played over the same time period and the spinners will definitely come into play.”
Of South Africa’s best spinner, Imran Tahir, Barnes adds: “Immy is world class.
“He is a proven match-winner for a long period of time, and Shammo [Tabraiz Shamzi] has also being doing well recently. They can trouble any batting lineup.”
He adds of the fast bowling: “Don’t get me wrong, spin will play a role, but the Proteas’ strength has always been its pace attack.
“They have wonderful bowlers in Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and now Chris Morris too. Those guys are genuine fast bowlers.
"Pure pace is an asset to any team."