South Africa have released their 15-man roster for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, with one notable omission. Temba Bavuma returns to head the side for the second T20 World Cup in a row, having recovered fully from an elbow injury sustained during the June tour of India.
Rassie van der Dussen, who missed the journey to Australia owing to a finger injury that required surgery, was the squad’s most prominent absentee. While replacing their backbone would be challenging, the Proteas would be hoping for enough firepower to compensate for his absence. The Proteas haven’t changed much from the side that traveled to the T20 World Cup last year, with only three alterations.
Rassie van der Dussen’s has harmed the middle order.
The setback to Rassie van der Dussen could not have come at a worse moment for South Africa. The 33-year-old sustained an injury to his finger during the second Test against England in Manchester and continued to play despite the pain. He had to travel back home after the game and is now scheduled to have surgery, which will keep him out for at least six weeks.
Rassie van der Dussen’s injury came at the worst possible time for South Africa. The 33-year-old sustained an injury to his finger during the second Test against England in Manchester and continued to play despite the pain. He had to travel back home after the game and is now scheduled to have surgery, which will keep him out for at least six weeks.
Rassie has swiftly become the backbone of South Africa’s batting order and was a critical piece in their last World Cup campaign in the UAE and Oman. He is the Proteas’ second-highest T20I run-getter this decade. In his absence, the middle order will be carried by Aiden Markram and David Miller, who have been in excellent form recently.
Tristan Stubbs, one of three new faces in the team, has excelled in his brief international experience. Stubbs, with the experience around him, may be the X-factor in the middle order that can compensate for Rassie’s absence.
Rilee Rossouw back in South Africa Side as a T20 Specialist
It had been more than six years since Rilee Rossouw had played in a T20I for South Africa, and it was only two months ago that she did so. After a strong recent series against England, the T20 globetrotter has been included to the squad for the World Cup in Australia.
A look at Rossouw’s T20 statistics reveals plenty about the player’s capabilities in the shortest format: in 261 games, the 32-year-old has scored 6633 runs at an average of 30.99 and struck at 142.40. He has played in almost every league in the globe and provides great experience to South Africa’s batting lineup, which might help them improve.
On his international return, he hammered a 96* off 55 balls against England, demonstrating that he still has what it takes to dominate the world stage. The T20 World Cup in Australia would be an ideal stage for Rossouw to emerge as South Africa’s game-changer.
Pretorius and Parnell put pressure on the all-rounder pair in the reserves.
Pretorius and Parnell complete South Africa’s three alterations from the last World Cup roster. South Africa boasts a team that checks practically every box and will be hopeful that the fresh additions will propel them to their maiden T20 World Cup victory.