by Abhai Sawkar The balancers, the vital assets for the team, the X-factors, whatever you may call them… All-rounders are the complete package: proficiency in all skills and the ability to single-handedly change the complexion of a game. Going back to the World Cup, South Africa had initially chosen two bowling all-rounders in Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo, and a batting all-rounder in JP Duminy, who bowls off breaks. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje had to pull out of the World Cup due to a hand injury, and a third pace-bowling allrounder, Chris Morris, entered the mix. They all struggled for consistency, but Phehlukwayo and Morris definitely exceeded expectations, given that the combination of all-rounders in this tournament wasn’t as relatively strong, if compared to those from previous World Cups. Morris impressed in patches with his pace and movement, especially against Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka; plus his 42 with the bat at No. 8 against India helped drag his side to a total worth bowling at. Prior to the World Cup, Morris had lost his central contract with Cricket South Africa, but encouraging performances have all but brought him back in better terms with the selectors. 12 wickets in 7 games at an average of 23 has placed him at the top of the wickets chart for his side. At 32, chances are that he doesn’t have a whole lot of cricket left in him, and the fact that he is injury prone does not bode very well. Phehlukwayo showed plenty of potential with his late-order batting, even though his most noteworthy contributions came in losing situations. In addition, he has displayed his gradually improving skillset of slower deliveries and cutters over the course of the tournament. Considering the fact that bowling was his primary skill at the time of his international debut, Phehlukwayo has made reasonable amounts of progress in both skills, more so as a batsman. Following the World Cup, expectations will not be any lower for the 23-year-old from Durban. JP Duminy has been fruitlessly searching for form as of late, and his career has been a story of a highly-rated player who did not reach his full potential. His batting form was crucial, especially since he was one of many experienced campaigners heading into the World Cup. Unfortunately, he did not deliver in the games he received, and his part-time offspin has been far from consistent. At 35, he has decided that it’s time to gradually round off his career; he is set to quit ODIs after the last World Cup game, and he has already quit all domestic cricket back home. He may continue playing the shortest format and potentially be available for the World T20 next year, but it’s probable that the selectors will look beyond him, in order to blood in youngsters soon enough. Finally, Dwaine Pretorius would probably feel a bit hard done by; he was harshly dropped after a pretty ordinary first game against England: a wicketless outing and just the one run with the bat. He would have to wait until the eighth group stage game, against Sri Lanka, to get a game. 3-25 in 10 overs underlined a fantastic comeback match, but the Proteas were already out of contention by then. A slightly underrated player in this World Cup, Pretorius made the most of his second opportunity. As of now, age isn’t entirely on his side, given that he turned 30 earlier this year. South Africa possesses a track record of producing all-rounders of high caliber, so it’s time for an overview of the current standout performers and potential superstars in the making at the domestic circuit: four pace-bowling all-rounders and four spin-bowling all-rounders. Pace-bowling all-rounders Wiaan Mulder Résumé: Fast-tracked to franchise system at age 18 International debut at age 19, 1 Test and 10 ODIs County Championship stint for Kent this year Formerly played for South Africa U19s For starters, Wiaan Mulder rapidly progressed through the age levels at Gauteng, his home province. His all-round talent at such a young age was promising enough that he was immediately fast-tracked to the Highveld Lions franchise team without any experience in top-level provincial cricket whatsoever. He may not have played in an Under-19 World Cup, but he did play for the Under-19s in a few Youth ODI series prior to his domestic debut, including a Bangladesh tour. A sturdy, classy right-handed middle-order batsman and a canny medium-pacer who can swing the ball at times, Mulder first joined up with the Lions in 2016. His stronger suit early on was as a bowler, raking in 23 wickets in 5 games in his very first domestic season, averaging less than 20; his exploits with the bat included a maiden century at franchise level, highlighting his potential as a matchwinner. His next season, however, was the one to savor. After averaging over 60 across eight first-class games, the much-coveted national call-up would soon ensue. Proteas coach Ottis Gibson saw in Mulder not only a prodigious talent that deserved early opportunities in international cricket, but also a strong contender to enter World Cup plans. Despite the first-class exploits, it was in ODIs where he’d receive his very first international cap, against Bangladesh in late 2017. It was a pretty ordinary first game, even though he did bowl well in patches and claim a maiden international wicket, but he had to wait for close to nine months for future chances. A poor run in the away series against Sri Lanka, plus the recall of a more experienced player in Dwaine Pretorius effectively pigeonholed his chances for a World Cup berth, but that hasn’t deterred the young man from improving his game, as well as searching for other learning opportunities. Mulder would earn a Test debut, but did not impress with either skill. Even though he was off to a rocky start to his international career, he attracted the interest of Kent County Cricket Club, who would sign him for three Championship games between late May and early June. His county debut against Surrey was one to remember; 5 wickets overall and a fighting half-century to force a draw further backed up his big-match temperament. Finally, he’s been named in the Proteas A side for the India tour in both the 4-day and the 50-over teams. It will be a great chance to showcase his adjustability to relatively more spin-friendly conditions, which are quite scarce back home. Additionally, it’s very likely he will receive more and more chances immediately after the World Cup, to further build his confidence at the highest level. In the recently completed CSA T20 Challenge, he displayed another gear of his batting, against the Dolphins, striking an unbeaten 59 in just 34 deliveries; normally, his technique is quite composed, but he can well and truly take on the hefty striker role if the situation demands. At just 21, he has achieved plenty and has experience playing in different parts of the world. If nurtured well, Mulder will be a versatile, world-class all-rounder in the making, across all formats. The only question mark is which skill will end up the primary focus for Mulder a few years down the road. Delano Potgieter Résumé: Century and 4-wicket haul on franchise debut for the Lions Versatile, consistent all-round performer at provincial level for Gauteng There’s always plenty of excitement whenever a promising, young player creates an indelible impression in his very first match at domestic level. That level of excitement goes through the roof when he’s a swashbuckling two-in-one: a fearless, bruising left-handed middle-order batsman and a handy right-arm seamer. That particular combination brings to mind one of the big names from the past for South Africa: the great Lance Klusener. Delano Potgieter has been a vital cog for the Gauteng provincial side since the beginning of the 2015-16 domestic season. Like most young entrants in the lower-level domestic system, he found it difficult to break into the playing XI frequently. Even though he had an innocuous start to his professional career, he never lost faith, and continued to press a case across all formats. He never played for the national Under-19 side, but he did feature for age-group cricket for Gauteng. The wait continued until the start of the 2018-19 season, where he took the Africa T20 Cup by storm, smashing three consecutive half-centuries and claiming a maiden five-wicket haul against Free State. In the longer format, 358 runs at an average above 30 (and a best score of 128), plus 27 wickets at an average below 20 all in 7 games, it was impossible to ignore his campaign for higher domestic honors. When incumbent all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Dwaine Pretorius were chosen for national duty, Highveld Lions coach Enoch Nkwe was quick to take the initiative and add Potgieter to the squad for the remainder of the franchise season. Potgieter’s debut in the 4-day tournament will be one for the records: it was the last game for the Lions in the season, and a must-win affair against the Warriors, at Potchefstroom. The Warriors sent the Lions to bat first, and at 96-6 in the first innings, things were looking quite bleak. However, Potgieter, the new kid on the block, along with Bjorn Fortuin, would amass over 300 runs together to bring their side back on track. Fortuin scored a classy 183, and Potgieter showed no signs of tension in his first crack with the bat: his highest first class score to date, 145 from 176, with 21 fours and 3 sixes. After posting a respectable 440, the Lions would create four quick inroads, all courtesy Potgieter’s quality swing bowling, securing a 37-run lead. In the end, the Warriors would fall short by 84 runs, and the Lions would clinch the trophy in the first-class season. Potgieter may have only received just the single game, but the impact he created was very pivotal. He would go on to play five games in the Momentum One Day Cup, without much luck. As of now, international cricket seems a fair distance away for the 23-year-old. He has yet to be confirmed as a certainty in the Lions’ contract list for next domestic season, which will be announced in due course. He definitely has emerged as a surprise package from relative obscurity over a short period of time. In the longer format, he can play his natural attacking game, at the lower middle order; in limited-overs cricket, he’s capable of batting anywhere from opener to No. 8. Across all formats, he can be trusted as the first-change seamer, even though he may not be blessed with plenty of pace. Potgieter may not have received a contract in the Mzansi Super League or a spot in the Proteas A side, but he is a player to watch out for. More recently, he has been included in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) side, a team that is competing against the South African and Sri Lankan emerging teams this month. At the moment, there is plenty at hand to play for in the upcoming season, and he definitely has placed an order for higher honors in the near future. Jason Smith Résumé: Former South Africa U19 international - 2014 ICC U19 World Cup Played school and university level cricket Played for Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League A batting allrounder who first made his name through school cricket, Jason Smith, a 24-year-old Capetonian, has gradually improved to become a regular at the Cape Cobras franchise. Smith was recruited for the first time at franchise level for the 2015-16 season, following two full seasons for Western Province. After taking part in the U19 World Cup five years ago, which South Africa won, Smith would turn up for the University of Western Cape, to pursue further ambitions. It wasn’t always a smooth road to the limelight; provincial exploits may have finally earned him a maiden franchise contract, but he would get just the solitary first-class game under his belt in his first season. His big break would eventually come to fruition early in the 2016-17 season, when the Cobras were in a bit of a spot of bother. Following two consecutive defeats, it was time to turn the tide. Smith stroked a counter-attacking maiden franchise century against the Knights, at Bloemfontein; his 100 from 88 deliveries included 17 boundaries and a six. Wickets were falling around him, but the young man showcased his determination as well as a carefree mentality to score runs at critical stages. 500 runs as well as 20 wickets in 10 4-day games headlined a season of promise in both skills; these returns may not have been table-toppers, but did serve as an indicator for his gradual advancement. Fast-forwarding to the most recent season, Smith finished fifth on the Cobras’ run chart, with 461 runs in 7 games, averaging close to 60; his bowling may not have fetched a lot of wickets, but his progression as a multi-talented cricketer has helped ensure that there is no shortage in all-round talent throughout the country. His best score with the bat was a solid 92 against the Titans, at SuperSport Park. Batting alongside the tail can be difficult at times, but Smith’s naturally aggressive batting has been a priceless asset for the Cobras recently. Finally, Smith has a smattering of experience in the shorter formats, but to date, he is better suited to the longer format. He played just one game for the Cape Town Blitz, and another six for the Cobras in the recently concluded CSA T20 Challenge. His next goal will be most likely to mold his game for all formats, as well as focus on his bowling, which could come in handy quite often. A Proteas call-up may seem a bit far away, but Smith is slowly but surely inching closer. Dayyaan Galiem Résumé: Played for SA in the 2016 U19 World Cup First franchise trial at age 18 for the Cape Cobras (2016-17 season) A powerfully built, multi-talented cricketer from Cape Town, Dayyaan Galiem first made his name through school cricket, for Rondebosch Boys High, which is also the alma mater of one of South Africa’s finest: Gary Kirsten. By the time he returned from his stint at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, his raw talent impressed the Cape Cobras management, who would rope him in for a couple of first-class games, even when he was improving at provincial level for Western Province. Galiem’s aggressive approach as a middle-order batsman as well as his ability to swing the ball both ways as a seamer brought him plenty of early accolades. As of now, bowling seems to be the slightly stronger of the two skills. At times, injuries have kept his rising career in check, but most were aware that the talent is raw. To date, he has only featured in a handful of games for the Cobras, and he has yet to earn a full contract. He did score 41 and 39 in his first two 50-over innings for the Cobras during the 2016-17 season, but fitness has kept him in and out of the action more often than he’d like. However, he has been chosen to play for the South Africa Emerging team this month, in order to gradually gain more and more experience to warrant frequent game time across all formats for the Cobras. 22-year-old Galiem is in great position to rise through the ranks. Another strong first-class season could land him in a South Africa A side not too long after. He is set to join the Titans for the 2019-20 season; Titans coach and former Proteas wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has touted him as an exciting, up-and-coming bolter. Spin-bowling all-rounders Senuran Muthusamy Résumé: Improving first-class cricketer for the Dolphins Started off primarily as a batsman, bowling has progressively improved Experience from the South Africa A team KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins Player of the Season award - 2017-18 season A left-handed top-order batsman and left-arm finger spinner, Senuran Muthusamy first entered the domestic scene for his home province, KwaZulu-Natal, just shy of his 19th birthday towards the close of the 2012-13 domestic season. Having climbed the ladder through the KZN youth system, the young, passionate all-rounder from Durban was determined to make an impact as early as possible. The much-coveted franchise deal beckoned just before the 2015-16 season, in which he would make his first-class debut for the Dolphins. Initially having began as a top-order batsman, his spin bowling would steadily improve. The next season, as well as the following season, were both pinnacle moments for Muthusamy in domestic cricket. A highest score of 181 against the Knights during the 2016-17 season, as well as 27 wickets total in the eight games he played was a sign of him honing his craft to approach the top level. A year later, the much-anticipated South Africa A call would arrive his way, after finishing second overall on the wickets chart and averaging close to 40 with the bat. Muthusamy was part of the squad that played a tour match against Australia in February 2018, just before the 4-game Test series began, as well as the squad that visited India for a 50-over quadrangular series, involving Australia, South Africa, and the Indian A and B teams. He’s set to join up with the A team once again, later this year for another India tour. Another strong showing there could very well lead to a first chance in Test cricket, and that seems quite likely given his upward trend so far over the course of his domestic career. Muthusamy has shown promise since he’s been playing school cricket, and he’s got the hunger for more and more success at the highest level. He’s received both the Player of the Year as well as the Bowler of the Year Awards at the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Award ceremony at the close of the 2017-18 season. With JP Duminy having retired from both Tests and ODIs, there’s an open spot for a genuine spin-bowling all-rounder. Having taken confident strides in fine-tuning his game, Muthusamy has established himself as a potential candidate. George Linde Résumé: Played for Cape Cobras since 2014-15 Played for Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League Received his first ever call-up to the Proteas A side this year Hailing from Cape Town, George Linde is a consistent left-arm spinner and a powerful left-handed middle-order batsman who first made his name as a school cricketer. Linde started off as a batsman and a seam bowler in the U-13 side for Western Province, but he would soon switch to bowling spin to increase his chances in an already pacer-heavy squad. By the time he earned his first shot at provincial cricket, spin bowling was his main focus. Between seasons, he sought chances at club cricket over in England, and about two years later, the Cape Cobras would finally recruit him for the Ram Slam T20 Challenge. 14 wickets across 11 games and an economy rate below 7 were encouraging returns as a first-timer. Bowling remained the main focus for Linde, until the 2017-18 T20 Challenge and Momentum One Day Cup. Midway through the tournament, Linde was experimented with as a pinch-hitter at first drop for the Cobras, when they played the Warriors at their home ground in Paarl. A feisty unbeaten innings of 52 from 30 was a revelation for both Linde and the team, and from then on he backed his batting ability and pursued further accolades as an all-rounder. Throughout the past two seasons, limited-overs cricket was where Linde reaped his rewards, with economical bowling and frequent cameos down the order. Consistent performances in both 50-over and T20 cricket earned him a maiden stint in the first Mzansi Super League for the Cape Town Blitz. He may have only received a handful of games, but he has displayed immense potential and drive to succeed under pressure. Linde might not be a first-class mainstay for the Cobras, mainly because the Cobras captain, Dane Piedt, is the frontline spinner. However, in the recent Proteas A squad announcement, the selectors have given Linde a berth in both the 50-over and the 4-day squad that will tour India. Considering that Linde has relatively less experience in the longest format, this result may have appeared to be a bit of a surprise. But it seems evident that he has it in him to persistently strive for excellence. If he gets a Proteas call, it’s likely he will begin in the shorter formats, given his recent track record. This is his first call-up to the A team, and it can’t be a better opportunity to quickly take the initiative and deliver. Bjorn Fortuin Résumé: Earned a franchise contract with Lions following just one provincial season for North West Played for the Paarl Rocks in the MSL Economical left-arm spinner who can bat down the order Another of the talented assembly line of left-arm orthodox spinners in the South African domestic circuit, Bjorn Fortuin initially made progress in his career with the ball in hand. His first franchise season in 2015-16, however, brought about a strong showing with the bat, in the lower middle-order. Fortuin stroked his way to a century against the Titans towards the end of the season, in a productive stand alongside Dwaine Pretorius. An aggregate of 28 wickets across 12 first-class games over the course of his first two seasons were signs of a difficult start to his campaign at top level as a bowler. Fortunately, the two recent seasons for the Lions proved to be the catalyst for the 24-year-old from Paarl. He may not have received adequate game time in the 2017-18 season, but the recent season yielded the best of returns, including a personal best with the bat (183 against the Warriors) and with the ball (7/70 against the Knights), both of which were matchwinning performances. Prior to the 4-day exploits this season, Fortuin capped off 2018 with a maiden stint in the Mzansi Super League, for the Paarl Rocks. He impressed with his bowling once more, taking a four-wicket haul against the Cape Town Blitz. His blazing run in the shortest format carried over to the CSA T20 Challenge, the final event in the season, where the Lions finished victorious. Having taken 15 wickets in 10 games and maintaining a sub-6 economy, Fortuin has undoubtedly taken giant strides in his quest for national honors. Not known to be a prodigious turner of the ball, Fortuin usually relies on variations in pace. Unafraid to flight the ball frequently, he also has a quicker arm ball in his arsenal, and normally opens the bowling in limited-overs cricket. Additionally, Fortuin possesses plenty of potential with the bat; most of his noteworthy performances have happened in the longest format, but he aspires to be a strong figure across all forms. Not a big hitter of the ball, Fortuin is a flashy strokeplayer who can add vital runs during pressure situations. The national selectors have invested in his all-round talent, and the India tour will be a pivotal event. A subcontinent tour for a young spinner is bound to be among the best of learning experiences. However, he may feel a bit hard done by, since he’s only been chosen for the 50-over leg, and not the 4-day series, given his performances. Every opportunity is there to be taken full advantage of. With the World T20 coming up in a year’s time, Fortuin is definitely in the race. Thomas Kaber Résumé:
Featured for the South Africa U19 side, but not in a U19WC Played for Northerns and Eastern Province since 2008-09 season Left-arm wrist spinner, capable middle/lower order batsman who averages 40 in first-class cricket Considering the experience level and track record of most of the other choices on this list, Thomas Kaber seems a bit of an outside choice. He may have played U19 cricket for South Africa, but he’s been battling it out for Northern for almost a decade, without much avail. Having gained a reputation as a tireless, hardworking cricketer, Kaber productively spent his off-season time in 2015 playing club cricket in the UK, in the Lancashire League. It wasn’t until the recent first-class season that he finally received opportunities at franchise level, for the Warriors. Having gained a reputation as a tireless, hardworking cricketer, Kaber productively spent his off-season time in 2015 playing club cricket in the UK, in the Lancashire League. He didn’t get recruited in the MSL last year, and his overall returns at franchise level this season aren’t exactly convincing enough to potentially earn a Warriors contract for next season. But there’s one thing that really stands out: Kaber is an all-rounder who bowls left-arm wrist spin and offers plenty as a right-handed middle-order batsman. Many of the up-and-coming spin talents at the moment are finger spinners, and Kaber’s skillset does bring forth some uniqueness to the table. Given the relative scarcity of wrist spinners in the domestic circuit, Kaber has the potential to create a strong positive impression, as and when he receives further opportunities. A Proteas call-up might be a fair distance away, and at 27, he’s not getting any younger. Armed with a spectrum of variations including an accurate googly, flipper, and a deceptive quicker delivery, Kaber’s next step is to ensure that he’s a certainty at franchise level. During the 2017-18 provincial 3-day season, Kaber topped both the batting and bowling charts for Northerns, scoring 378 runs and taking 31 wickets in eight games. The step up from provincial to franchise cricket hasn’t been easy: his returns with the ball have been rather ordinary across formats, but he did make an impression with the bat, with a fluent 85 in the last first-class fixture against the Lions, albeit in a losing situation. In addition, wrist spinners can be the game changers, regardless of format. If you’re looking for current examples, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s aggressive left-arm/right-arm wrist-spinning duo, have been a lethal force in limited-overs cricket, at restricting the flow of runs and picking up wickets at key stages. Pakistan’s Yasir Shah has taken over 200 wickets in 35 Test matches. And of course, Imran Tahir, South Africa’s own limited-overs legspinner, rounded off his ODI career with a respectable 173 wickets in 107 games, having been the mainstay spinner for almost eight years. Finding the closest like-for-like replacement for Tahir may not be the easiest of tasks, especially since the current wrist spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi, has been struggling for consistency with regards to both economy and wicket-taking ability. Provided the current state of his career, Warriors should back him for future seasons. Kaber could prove to be the surprise package, and a strong 2019-20 season should ensure that he’s within striking distance for higher honors in the Proteas A side. To date, he averages almost 40 with the bat and just a shade less than 30 with the ball in first-class cricket. Currently it’s safe to assume that Kaber’s behind quite a few in the pecking order, but all in all, he’s one to watch out for in the near future. Parting Thoughts? South Africa has a track record of producing several world-class all-rounders, such as the legendary Jacques Kallis, the phenomenal Shaun Pollock, and pre 21st-century greats such as Adrian Kuiper, Mike Procter, Garth le Roux, and Brian McMillan, to name a few. It’s nearly impossible to find perfect replacements for the all-time aces, but there’s loads of promise among the current crop of all-rounders in the domestic circuit. The Proteas A side have banked on the improvement and potential of Linde, Muthusamy, Fortuin, and Mulder, all of whom have been regulars for their respective franchise sides. Given the potential revamp of the domestic system in due course, provincial-level talented players that are relatively less well-known, such as the likes of Kaber, for example, will receive opportunities to compete alongside and against the top performers at franchise level. In the past few years, there has been a discernible talent drain in South Africa, and given that a transition period is just about to get underway, the first step to rectify this would be to provide more and more exposure for players that are on the fringes. Towards the end of the year, South Africa are set to play two very potent teams: first an away series in India, followed by hosting England. Now that the World Cup is over, it’s time to string together a new plan for both next year’s World T20 as well as a four-year plan for the next World Cup; it’s never too early to start drafting a new team blueprint. With experienced campaigners gradually getting ready to leave the scene, the next set of newcomers should and will be ready to tackle tough assignments.
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