Top five options for South Africa to replace JP Duminy in the Test squad

Eight years ago, a flamboyant young left-hander playing in his second Test against the best team in the World in their own backyard, slammed a majestic 166 to seal the Test match. Melbourne bore witness to one of the greatest Test innings’ of the decade and the prodigiously talented left-hander was praised even by his opponents, the mighty Aussies.

Such was the talent and composure he exhibited as a young head on that day that the likes of Ian Chappell sang praises about him. The perfection is hard to miss. Yet, form and consistency deserted this talented cricketer.

Those who sang praises of JP Duminy on that day were forced to eat their words as the South African middle-order batsman failed to live up to his promise and failed time and again. And it all culminated in a drop against England in the home series last year.

He made runs at First-class level after the then selector, Ashwell Prince, forced him to reconsider retirement. Duminy returned to the national fold as did his familiar failings. He cut a sorry figure at Lord’s in the opening Test and the doors may well be closing on Duminy one final time.

Let us take this opportunity to assess the replacement options available to the Proteas in Test cricket. And today at five of the best.

#5 Dwaine Pretorius

Dwaine Pretorius has showcased his talents with the willow in First-class cricket

The talented all-rounder is already a fixture in South Africa’s ODI squad but is known to International cricket as a bowling all-rounder. The Highveld Lions player is, however, a pretty handy batsman and plays in the top six for his franchise. He made quite an impression for the Proteas in limited-overs cricket and was picked in the Test squad in Australia although he did not get a game.

A first-class batting average of 42.46 in 39 matches with four4 hundreds and a highest score of 177 is a testimony to his skills as a batsman. Pretorius is obviously a containing seam bowler as well and has shown good skills in ODI cricket for the Proteas. The think-tank could consider moving De Kock to number six and fitting Pretorius in at number seven.

First-class record

Matches	Runs	Batting Average	Wickets	Bowling Average
39	2123	42.46	127	21.81

#4 Khaya Zondo

Zondo is a talented young cricketer and could be a straight swap for Duminy

The skipper of the Dolphins franchise, Khaya Zondo has been touted as another extremely talented batsman. He was picked in the One Day International squad for India but controversially did not get a game. Though his numbers at First-class level do not inspire much confidence, it is his unmistakable talent that might earn him a call-up. Zondo is naturally gifted and plays some exquisite shots when on song. He was recently elevated as captain of Dolphins.

The fact that South African team selections are also influenced by the transformation guidelines is another factor that makes Zondo, a black African, a contender. His elevation to national contention came through the junior ranks and Zondo has shown immense potential and appetite for success. He could be a straight swap for Duminy in the Test line-up.

First-Class record

Matches	Runs	Bat Average	100s	HS
94	4370	30.99	8	175

#3 David Miller

The time could be ripe for Killer Miller to mark his entry into Test cricket

An established limited-overs cricketer, David Miller had also endured severe criticism for his lack of consistency till a few months back. However, that has changed with him being handed over more responsibility at number five in the ODI line-up. Quite a few match winning knocks have ensued since then making him a vital cog in South Africa's limited-over plans.

Miller has the technique and temperament to succeed as an International Test cricketer and could be a counter-attacking option akin to Michael Hussey or Ben Stokes in the Test batting line-up. However, it remains doubtful if the South African selectors would go for Miller in Test cricket at this stage.

His record in First-Class cricket has improved in recent years and Miller has started putting a price on his wicket, something he had failed to do after being labelled a T20 cricketer. His experience and outstanding fielding skills could make him a good replacement for Duminy.

First-Class record

Matches	Runs	Batting Average	100s	HS
55	2851	35.63	5	177

#2 Chris Morris

Morris is the frontrunner to replace Duminy for the second Test at Trent Bridge

Another hard-working cricketer, Chris Morris has been a go-to-man in crisis situations for the South African limited-overs side. He has time and again shown his potential with bat and ball including a valuable knock in the Tests against England at home. However, his opportunities in Tests have been pretty few and far between. He has insisted that he is more than a big hitter and his First-class record is proof of the same.

With Duminy under the scanner, Morris could once again be in the frame to replace the left-hander. Quinton de Kock could move to number six with Chris Morris and Vernon Philander filling up the all-rounder roles at seven and eight. Morris could also strengthen the depleted pace bowling department making him a strong contender to replace Duminy at Trent Bridge. Morris has the ability to bowl at searing pace and nail a yorker making him a real X-factor player akin to Ben Stokes.

First-Class record

Matches	Runs	Batting Average	Wickets	Bowling Average
50	2021	31.57	158	25.27

#1 Aiden Markram

Markram has unquestionable talent and is in the fray for opening the innings in Tests

Possibly dubbed as the most talented batsman in franchise cricket, Aiden Markram led the under-19 team to a World Cup win not so long ago. His colleagues in the campaign, Kagiso Rabada and Andile Phehlukwayo, have already earned International recognition and Markram’s time has possibly arrived. He has a clam head on his shoulders and should he find himself in the playing eleven it will likely be in the top three.

Picked in the squad for the first Test as a replacement for Faf du Plessis, who was on paternity leave, Markram brings with him the exuberance of youth and the promise of longevity. With the Proteas in search of a partner for Elgar, Markram could be pitted alongside the left-hander with one of Heino Kuhn or Theunis de Bruyn in the middle-order. If Proteas need a long-term option, Markram is definitely the way to go.

First-Class record

Matches	Runs	Batting Average	100s	HS
31	1950	41.48	5	182