Lloots Bosman
A Pietersen
Hashim Amla
JP Duminy
A Jacobs
Ahmed Amla
Morne van Wyk
Johan van der Wath
Albie Morkel
Dale Steyn
Tshabalala

Knowing squat about SA Cricket, and admittedly going on one 20/20 international for Lloots Bosman, I've done well to name a team. Ahmed Amla I've only ever heard positive things about and Hashim Amla, well apparently this blokes a million bucks. Unfortunately, against England, he was by far the weakest link when he played.

van Wyk should be the keeper as he gives the side more batting. Then again they bat till 9.

Here goes: some I'm not certain about... but a starting XI worth a shot?

Kuhn+
RT Bailey
H. Amla
Duminy
A Amla
JL Ontong
Morkel
R Petersen
Zondeki
Tshbalala
Mbhalati

The South African 'A' squad to tour Sri Lanka, September 2005

The Castle Lager 4-Day squad:
1.Jacques Rudolph - Captain (Goodyear Eagles)
2.Thami Tsolekile - Vice-Captain (Nashua Cape Cobras)
3.Paul Adams (Nashua Cape Cobras)
4.Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins)
5.Johan Botha (Mercedes Warriors)
6.Zander de Bruyn (Nashua Titans)
7.Jean-Paul Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras)
8.Tyron Henderson (Mercedes Warriors)
9.Garnett Kruger (Highveld Lions)
10.Justin Ontong (Highveld Lions)
11.Andrew Puttick (Nashua Cape Cobras)
12.Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans)
13.Johan van der Wath (Goodyear Eagles)
14.Monde Zondeki (Nashua Cape Cobras)


Coach: Vincent Barnes
Assistant Coach & Manager: Barney Mohamed
Physiotherapist: Ian Repton


The Standard Bank South Africa 'A' One-Day squad:
1.Jacques Rudolph - Captain (Goodyear Eagles)
2.Thami Tsolekile - Vice-Captain (Nashua Cape Cobras)
3.Loots Bosman (Goodyear Eagles)
4.Johan Botha (Mercedes Warriors)
5.Zander de Bruyn (Nashua Titans)
6.JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras)
7.Garnett Kruger (Highveld Lions)
8.Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans)
9.Justin Ontong (Highveld Lions)
10.Robin Peterson (Mercedes Warriors)
11.Andrew Puttick (Nashua Cape Cobras)
12.Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans)
13.Johan van der Wath (Goodyear Eagles)
14.Monde Zondeki (Nashua Cape Cobras)

http://www.cricket.co.za/default.asp?cId=6425

__________________
Administrator

Am I allowed to pick a side from stats alone?, because I know very little about South Africa cricket, and I would only be able to defend my selecion on stats.

__________________
Ern

Here's my XI:

Kuhn +
AG Puttick
HM Amla
JL Ontong
A Jacobs
MN van Wyk
RJ Peterson
DW Steyn
RK Klienveldt
GJP Kruger
M Zondeki

__________________
Watch this for a perfect about.
James May

Nothing substitutes for familiarity.... because without that intimate familiarity with fine detail.... one has no basis for conclusions. That said.... no matter what the subject matter.... analysis ALWAYS involves reasoning.... and discussion ALWAYS involves arguments: that means there is ALWAYS scope for useful input from individuals unfamiliar with the fine detail.

What matters to me is that we all pay attention to who has what to offer and all argue with due regard to where we can contribute productively: no-one needs to defend ANY selection just because it is their own.... and we HAVE to get away from the idea that all opinions are equal - views can lack authority because they are made in ignorance but also because they are incoherent.... and if all an outsider does is draw attention to those shortcomings then he/she can make a productive contribution.

What matters to me is the spirit in which one approaches the discussion rather than what one can bring to the table: if you can't find enough reasons to select one player over another at this stage then I have no problem with you nominating only a partial side (or even no side) - what matters more is any effort subsequently made to appreciate the contributions of others who ARE more familiar with the players.

My XI would be:

HM Amla
JL Ontong
TL Tsolekile
P De Bruyn
J Botha
GJP Kruger
M Zondeki
JM Kemp
MN Van Wyk
U Govender
Pitsang

__________________
Karthik Venkatesan

I dunno how long this team selection thing runs, so I'm posting my XI as well, if it's okay. I'll post my team, and explain my selection. (don't know if that's required)

Vaughan van Jaarsveld
Stephen Cook
JP Duminy (captain)
Ahmed Amla
Morne van Wyk
Xander de Bruyn
Johan van der Wath
Thami Tsolekile (keeper)
Ethy Mbalathi
Mondi Zondeki
Thandi Tsabalala

Stephen Cook has not had the best season, but the technique is there. Amla has shown that he has what it takes to bat at the vital 4 spot. Can play long innings, good temperament. Duminy at 3.

1 batting all rounder, De Bruyn and a bowling all-rounder, van der Wath. Tsolekile's batting has improved a lot, so he gets my nod for 'keeper.

Zondeki and Mbalathi, Van der Wath, Tshabalala, and De Bruyn in the bowling line-up. (in that order)

Hashim Amla, IMO, should now have a more extenden run in the Protea side, so he's not in my "A" team.

Great input on your first XI.. but could we also have your thoughts on the more obvious rivals? I take it a few positions at least would be open to dispute!

As they caught my eye I'd be especially interested in your thoughts on Kuhn+, RT Bailey, JL Ontong and Morkel!

Thanks Rachael.. Some of the "disputed ones" then...

Firstly, Kuhn. He's too green. I'd like to give him another season or two on the domestic scene to see how he holds up. I have a "thing" about wicket-keepers. They can't be just "good"...they must be "great". They must have something special. And as far as the pecking order is concerned, he's going to have to be extra special to leap-frog some very good keepers.

Ryan Bailey: Came on the scene with a bang a couple of years ago, especially -19's. At 23 he's still young and needs more consistency IMO. He still plays those icky shots that gets him in trouble early in his innings (like most batsmen, I guess) but his batting style gives me the idea that the bowler is always in with a shot against him. But, he's a very good prospect, definitely.

Albie Morkel: Not in the longer version of the game at the moment IMO. AND in the limited overs stuff, he's got some good competition in the all-rounder stakes. I'd like him to work on his batting average, then I'll reconsider selection.

Justin Ontong: This team needs someone who can spin the ball. Ontong has NEVER been a good enough spinner. He can bat though, but that's not what we want, right? If not Tshabalala, I'd rather have Harris or De Lange ahead of Ontong anytime.