While batting and other areas cause some consternation for Proteas management, the problem they have with fast bowlers is that there seem to be far too many good ones floating around.
In the Test lineup, the trio of Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are the top dogs, but the backup to them is a mixture of experienced pacemen in their prime and young bowlers with bright futures.
Kagiso Rabada during day 4 of the 1st Castle Lager Test Match between SA and Sri Lanka at Kingsmead – February 16, 2019 (Pic – Steve Haag/Getty Images)
Lutho Sipamla starred with the ball for South Africa A against their India counterparts but he wasn’t the only man to make an impression.
Lanky left-armer Marco Jansen continues to make waves and should benefit from more time in the national squad.
Sipamla likely missed out on the Proteas squad only because of the return to availability of Duanne Olivier who saw his Kolpak pathway to playing for England evaporate.
South Africa have been prepared to welcome Olivier back but he will have some task on his hands getting himself back to the front of the fast bowling queue.
Steady Glenton Stuurman has been touted as a possible successor to Vernon Philander given his accuracy and work ethic but he too might find Test match overs hard to come by unless the Proteas significantly expand their programme. He has started the season well with Eastern Province and South Africa A.
Allrounder Wiaan Mulder and Dwaine Pretorius will also have their roles to play should they crack into the Proteas Test XI.
Despite a great start to the season, Malusi Siboto can’t even get a look-in to the squad which has an intriguing mix of seam talent.
Western Province seamer Mthiwekhaya Nabe is another selectors will have to keep an eye on.
The new domestic format sees a wide net cast and it wouldn’t be surprising if even more top seamers emerge in the next few years.
South Africa is simply a fast bowling factory.
