In the first place, Ntini has to replace somebody; his athleticism and bouncy exhuberance makes a big difference in the Sough African team and to top it all, he is bowling better than ever. But Smith was right in shutting Ntini out of the Holland match; despite his legendary fitness, Ntini is human and to consider playing less than 24 hours after an overseas flight was a bit silly of him.

As for the guy to make way for Ntini, I think it will have to be Langeveldt. Nel is bowling reasonably well and is probably marginally better with the bat. But more than anything, Nel, with his comic antics, adds a touch of entertainment to the game unlike the stoic former policeman.