Een man se dood is die anders se brood, they say.
And for those Protea hopefuls who want a shot at making the World Cup squad, injuries to a number of established player have provided them with that chance.
The injuries to Lungi Ngidi (knee), JP Duminy (shoulder) and Wiaan Mulder (ankle) have upset some of coach Ottis Gibson’s plans.
Ngidi is still a month away from playing, Duminy a few weeks, while Mulder has just returned for the Highveld Lions.
But rather than panic, Gibson and the selectors are keen to see what they have in reserve in the upcoming five-match ODI series against Pakistan.
SETBACK: Coach Ottis Gibson. Photo: MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX
The boss says: “I was hoping to play - if everyone had been fit - the team that is as close to the group of guys who will go to the World Cup.
"But that opportunity isn’t here at the minute and hopefully that will happen when Sri Lanka get here.”
One man will hope to take his big chance is big-hitting Rassie van der Dussen, who is set to make his ODI debut.
JUST BACK: Wiaan Mulder. Photo: DERYCK FOSTER/BACKPAGEPIX
The Lions right-hander has been in outstanding form across all formats for the last two seasons. He topped the run-scoring list in the four-day competition last season and was the leading run-scorer in Mzansi Super League recently.
With regular ODI opener, Quinton de Kock rested for the first two ODIs when the action begins this weekend, the 29-year-old looks to be given the chance of facing the new ball and the chance to impress Gibson.
STILL OUT: Quickie Lungi Ngidi. Photo: RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/EPA
Gibbo adds: “Rassie is in form. He’s made a strong name for himself wherever he has played and the general consensus is to pick a guy while he is hot. His fire is burning quite brightly right now."
Fit-again allrounder Mulder should get his chance once the series heads into the final three matches of the upcoming series.