South Africa’s three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan, hosted in the United Arab Emirates, is more than just a set of warm-up games. With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, ostensibly set to be held in Pakistan, this series marks the start of the Proteas’ preparations for one of cricket’s most anticipated tournaments. However, there’s a twist—unlike in previous years, the Proteas are taking a more experimental approach to this series, rather than fielding their tried and tested stars.
In the past, a series like this would have been all about perfecting the lineup, ironing out any last-minute uncertainties, and ensuring the team was ready for an assault on their elusive first-ever ICC title. Yet, today’s game is different. With only 13 ODIs remaining before the Champions Trophy, South Africa has opted to test new waters. Several factors explain this decision, each reflecting broader shifts in the global cricketing landscape.
A New Era of Experimentation
There are three main reasons behind South Africa’s experimentation. First, this approach is now part of the modern cricketing blueprint. Australia, who won the 2023 Cricket World Cup, fielded a largely experimental side on their tour to South Africa before the tournament, and even lost a five-match ODI series in India just before the World Cup, 4-1. Teams are increasingly willing to tweak and refine their lineups right up until the start of major tournaments.
Second, the opponents—Afghanistan and Ireland—offer a platform for younger or less established players to prove themselves. These tours have become the proving ground for new blood, and South Africa is no different.
Lastly, the Proteas have a bit of breathing room. They will play an ODI series and a tri-series in Pakistan just before the Champions Trophy, meaning there’s no rush to cement their core team at this stage. For now, they can afford to experiment, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t key questions to answer over the course of these three games.
1. Who Is the Real Reeza Hendricks?
Reeza Hendricks’ career is an enigma. Once a rising star, he was at the center of a public outcry during the 2023 World Cup, with fans and even legends like Herschelle Gibbs calling for him to replace captain Temba Bavuma in the starting XI. Some claimed political bias was the only reason Hendricks wasn’t selected.
But a deeper look at the numbers tells a different story. Despite an impressive run in T20 internationals between 2022 and 2023—where he averaged 41.8 with a strike rate of 137—his ODI stats tell a less flattering tale. Hendricks has the lowest average of any specialist South African batsman in ODI history. His 2023 World Cup was nothing short of a disaster, with an average of just 14.12, leaving many to wonder whether his brief T20 purple patch was the dawn of a new Hendricks or simply a mirage.
The Afghanistan series offers an opportunity for him to prove himself once again, but the clock is ticking.
2. The Search for the All-Rounder
South Africa’s search for a reliable all-rounder has been a long and often frustrating one. Wiaan Mulder, once hailed as the future of South African cricket, is now on what feels like his umpteenth chance. That said, he is coming off the back of a strong SA20 season and recently claimed his first Player of the Match award in international cricket.
Then there’s Jason Smith, a name once compared to South African great Jacques Kallis. A fellow alumnus of Wynberg Boys’ High, Smith has taken nearly a decade to figure out his game on the domestic scene. His bowling has become less frequent, but he averaged a staggering 89 in the 50-over domestic competition last season, establishing himself more as a specialist batsman. However, Smith knows that to truly break into the national setup, he’ll need to offer something with the ball. This series could be the perfect opportunity to prove his worth.
3. Spin Depth: A New Generation
South Africa’s spin department has long been a source of strength. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi form one of the best spin duos in the world, with Maharaj currently holding the title of the world’s number one ODI bowler. But both players are now on the wrong side of 30, and Shamsi’s batting limitations often leave South Africa lacking depth when he’s included in the XI.
That’s where Bjorn Fortuin and Nqaba Peter come in. Fortuin, despite never looking particularly convincing as an international batsman, has five first-class centuries to his name. If he can unlock that potential, he may offer the dual-threat that modern teams demand from their spinners. Peter, on the other hand, has been a breakout star in the domestic T20 competition and will be eager to show that he belongs on the international stage.
4. Tristan Stubbs: The Heir Apparent
The absence of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen for this series opens the door for Tristan Stubbs to establish himself as South Africa’s middle-order mainstay. Stubbs has already shown his potential in the T20 format, and this series will offer a chance for him to showcase his skills in the often-overlooked ODI arena. If Stubbs can live up to expectations, he could entrench himself in South Africa’s white-ball plans for years to come.
Conclusion
While South Africa’s series against Afghanistan may be seen by some as a low-stakes opportunity to experiment, there are still important questions to answer. From Hendricks’ form and the search for a reliable all-rounder, to the development of spin depth and the rise of Tristan Stubbs, the Proteas have plenty to consider before they take on more significant challenges.
As South Africa prepares for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, this series offers a glimpse into the future of the Proteas—one that balances both experimentation and the need to start building momentum towards the next big tournament.
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