of an allrounder is still inconclusive, no one of Phulukwayo, Pretorius or Mulder have provided the knockout punch to make the position his own. Mysteriously, Philander my pick, has been left on the side line. What the side is screaming for is a big hitting batting allrounder who can chip in and take a few wickets and possibly also keep a tight line. None of the first three mentioned meet with the qualifications and worse is that there's a sameness about them. Age is against Philander and his batting has declined but he's a potent bowler against any top order. So there's a case for Philander, sadly there isn't for any one of the other three.
Also critical is the choice of spinners, Tahir picks himself and Maharaj's selection is a no-brainer although he has also been mysteriously sidelined in place of the club level Shamsi.
Otis Gibson can be excused for casting the net far and wide leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of answers but he is running out of time, it's time to shut up shop. I would open with Markram and De Kock with Van Der Dussen at first drop and Amla if he is to be retained moved into the 4th slot. Personally I would drop Amla, the great batsmen is being ravaged by father time and Gibson must surely be aware that no-one can wind back the clock. The catch he dropped off Rabada says it all.
The question then is who to replace him? Faf would move into four and Duminy comes in at five unless of course there's some young hot shot making signals on the domestic front.
Lastly, Steyn is starting to bother me, not seriously enough but I just see enough signs to create doubt. I would feel a lot more comfortable if the young quick Nortje is included in the WC squad.