ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Strongest South Africa Playing XI
South Africa will certainly be strong contenders for the World Cup title and will be a huge threat to the title aspirations of hosts England and favourites India. The Proteas pace attack was already daunting and with Dale Steyn's return, they have been blistering to face. Even if their bowling has faltered, their batsmen are constantly stepping up to perform and win games for them.
Few groups of people counted them out of the race after AB De Villiers' shock retirement but the Proteas have a lot of firepower left in them which they're yet to unleash.
Without much ado, let's take a look at the strongest playing XI they can field for the World Cup matches.
Openers- Quinton De Kock (Wicket Keeper) and Reeza Hendricks
Quinton De Kock and Reeza Hendricks will do South Africa a world of good at the World Cup. Hashim Amla who is a much more experienced player than the two can anchor the innings and is more suited batting at number three. A player of his calibre will understand that he has to adapt to roles for the smoother functioning of the team.
De Kock is my favourite player from the Proteas lineup and I believe he can do wonders in this World Cup. His performances leading up to this point have been getting better and his wicketkeeping is top-notch. Very athletic, commanding and clever, De Kock is someone who will be crucial both when the side is batting or when they're bowling. His explosive openings are something which we can enjoy from a neutral point of view and something which the side needs.
The two of the biggest gains of the Mzanzi Super League will be Reeza Hendricks and Duanne Olivier. While Olivier has found a spot for himself in the Test squad, Hendricks, after a shaky start to his ODI career is slowly settling into his role at the top of the order. He certainly has the capabilities to succeed even at the big stages.