The Proteas have played their final official ODI match before the World Cup starts, but coach Ottis Gibson says there is still a spot open for a wildcard in his squad.
The West Indian mentor adds that any player who shines in the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, starting at Newlands today, can still bang down the door and book his place for the global showpiece in England in May.
Gibson explains: “Playing international T20s, you still have an opportunity [to make the squad].
“We’ve said as a selection panel that we’ve always looked at it sort of like Ryder Cup selection where the Ryder Cup captain has a wildcard pick.
“So there’s still an opportunity if somebody comes in and does something unbelievable in the next couple of games, then there’s still an opportunity for the selectors to consider that person.”
Those words will be music to the ears of a player like Reeza Hendricks, who has failed to take his opportunities in the ODI series.
With veteran Hashim Amla unavailable for the T20s because of family commitments, Hendricks will be looking to force his way into the World Cup squad with good performances.
Aiden Markram and Anrich Nortje, both set to make their T20I debuts tonight, will also be out to impress.