Key takeaways from South Africa's squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup
Temba Bavuma returns to lead the side for the second T20 World Cup in a row having completed a full recovery from the elbow injury suffered during the tour of India in June.
The most notable omission from the squad was that of Rassie van der Dussen, who missed the flight to Australia due to a finger injury requiring surgery. While it would be difficult for the Proteas to replace their mainstay, they would be hoping there is enough firepower to make up for his absence.
The Proteas haven't tinkered too much with the squad that travelled for the T20 World Cup last year with only three changes being made.
Here, we take a look at some of the biggest takeaways from the squad announcement.
Rassie injury dents middle order
Rassie van der Dussen's injury couldn't have come at a worse time for South Africa. The 33-year-old injured his finger during the second Test against England in Manchester and battled on even after sustaining the injury. He had to fly back home after the completion of the match and is now expected to undergo surgery which will put him on the sidelines for at least six weeks.
Watch the highlights from England vs. South Africa.
The second-highest T20I run-getter for the Proteas this decade, Rassie has quickly become the backbone of South Africa's batting order and was a vital cog in their previous World Cup campaign in UAE and Oman. In his absence, the onus of carrying the middle order will fall on Aiden Markram and David Miller, who have been in fine touch of late.
One of three new faces in the squad is Tristan Stubbs, who has thoroughly impressed in his short international career. With the experience around him, Stubbs could be the X-factor in that middle order that could make up for Rassie's absence.
T20 globetrotter finds a place
Just two months ago it had been more than six years since Rilee Rossouw had featured in South African colours in T20Is. Fast forward two months and, following a good recent series against England, the T20 globetrotter is in the squad for the World Cup in Australia.
Rilee Rossouw, 61 vs West Indies
A glance at Rossouw's T20 numbers tells you enough about the player's credentials in the shortest format – in a whopping 261 games, the 32-year-old has scored 6633 runs at an average of 30.99 striking at 142.40. He has played in just about every league around the world and brings with him an invaluable experience to the South Africa batting line-up that could take them up a notch.
On his international return, he smashed a 96* off 55 balls against England and showed that he still has it in him to take the world stage by storm. The T20 World Cup in Australia would be the perfect platform for Rossouw to be the game-changer for South Africa.
Pretorius, Parnell push all-rounder duo in reserves
One of the most interesting aspects of South Africa's selection was the inclusion of Dwaine Pretorius and Wayne Parnell. Parnell, like Rossouw, only recently made a comeback to the South Africa team after a gap of close to five years during the series against India in June and has pipped Marco Jansen in the squad, thanks to the experience he brings with him.
Pretorius, on the other hand, has come into his own as a player lately and has become one of the most sought-after T20 stars in franchise leagues around the world.
During the virtual press conference, CSA's convenor of selectors Victor Mpitsang spoke about the duo's ability to bowl in the death that perhaps gave them the edge over Andile Phehlukwayo and Marco Jansen, both of whom find themselves in the reserves of the World Cup squad.
"Wayne gives us a different variation upfront, and his performances with the new ball and at the death," Mpitsang explained. "The way Pretorius has bowled at the middle and the end has stood out. A guy like Andile (Phehlukwayo) had a good run. It's a good back-up to have."
Pretorius and Parnell round off the three changes to South Africa's squad from the previous World Cup. South Africa has a squad which has almost all the boxes ticked and will be hoping that the new inclusions can fire them maiden T20 World Cup glory.