When the Proteas announced their T20 squad to face the West Indies it was clear that the series would serve as an attempt to build depth in the format.
Unfortunately, that has meant several players were plunged in at the deep end to see if they would sink or swim and the results become secondary.
Bjorn Fortuin of South Africa during match two of the 2023 T20 International Series (Pic – Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix)
South Africa need to find players who can stand in the gap when their top stars are unavailable, especially in this format of the game.
We have seen Australia frequently use T20I series engagements to give players who have done well in the Big Bash a chance to step up and do it on the big stage.
Likewise, now South Africa must test its young players in the international cricket arena not just to see where they are at, but to give them crucial opportunities to sharpen themselves against the best in the world.
The Proteas have appeared to be outgunned in their series against the West Indies with the hosts almost at full strength even if they are missing a few X-factor players.
When it comes to standing up and proving you belong at this level, Tristan Stubbs has made a big splash and continues to improve as a player.
Stubbs has adapted very well to taking over the No 3 role in this team and has given a different complexion to the Proteas’ batting order from that slot.
His range of shot-making means that Stubbs can take on the role of both aggressor and accumulator making him a nearly perfect batter to come in at first drop.
All-rounder Patrick Kruger has also enjoyed an encouraging series and has the potential to add much-needed depth to the Proteas batting without giving up any bowling quality or options.
Kruger is a bit older than most breakthrough players but at 29-years-old is still in his prime and should be in consideration for upcoming white-ball international events.
Among the depleted bowling attack, Ottneil Baartman continues to show that he is a great T20 bowler.
Baartman has shown his golden arm a few times already in a short T20I career and seems to be serving as a handy specialist for the Proteas in this format.
Reeza Hendricks has added experience to this team and he continues to be a consistent and reliable hand to help younger batters find their feet at the top level.
The series might be a loss, but South Africa have used these matches well when it comes to achieving their long-term goals in the format.
