South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODIs: Series preview

#2 Exciting young talent will be on display

Rassie van der Dussen looks like a very capable batsman

Both teams have picked some youngsters who hold great hopes for their countries. Priyamal Perera scored back-to-back double tons recently in his country’s leading domestic 4-day tournaments. Whether he transfers his prolificity into international limited-overs cricket remains to be seen. Avishka Fernando, a 20-year old batsman, recently plundered 523 runs in a 5-match 50-overs series against Ireland A.

These two, if given an opportunity, would be watched keenly and with great hope. There is little time left for the World Cup and if these two want to make the cut for that tournament, they have to make an impact here.

Same is the case with Kamindu Mendis. His USP is being ambidextrous – the ability to bowl finger-spin from both arms. Variety is good but he has to also show some good old-fashioned skills for securing his place, no matter which way he delivers his overs.

Oshada Fernando played a lovely knock in the second innings of the second Test in the recently-concluded series. He now has an opportunity to perform in ODIs.

For the hosts, the man exciting great hopes is the express fast bowler Anrich Nortje who has already made a big impression. His high speeds resulted in a lucrative IPL contract and now he would have the opportunity to bowl alongside the likes of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada.

The one man who has already made his name in international cricket is Rassie van der Dussen. His splendid batting in his debut series suggests there is a lot to watch out for from him in future.

Who knows, one of these young Turks may make the world sit up and take notice.