The SA side for the first SriLanka Test

Haha funny how we can look at the same thing and see two different situations. 

For me, one of his strongest attributes is his decisiveness.

Amla in his prime had a similar bat speed to Rassie. However, Amla was more wristy and liked to cut, so looked less jerky, or lacking fluidity, as you put it.

Rassie plays the ball very late and right under his nose while preferring to hit down the ground. Perhaps that's why he looks less fluid? He gets through his shots more quickly so it looks a bit like a Chaplin movie.

I agree, Saffex.

Just that, to some degree, I understand his selection.

There are a couple of other 20-23 year-olds I'd prefer to start now. 

Especially given the current series and the level of opposition.

No doubt we'll put them in, for a debut, at the MCG. And then drop them for three years if they don't get big hundreds.

...it's our way. 

All of Kallis, Amla and De Villiers had poor starts in their international career -  I think after 10 games Kallis' average score was about 15 runs - while I can still remember Amla in his first test in Australia where he looked totally clueless.   De Villiers also were not good in batting in his initial tests and shorter versions of the game.

All three had one thing in common - they were young with the necessary flair and talent to become greats - which all three became after initial questionable starts,  They were worth investigating in and there returns were marvelous.  

However, in recent times the Protea selection went awry and weird.   I was a Van der Dussen supporter for at least 5 years before he was selected and if he was brought in before Cook who came into the Proteas when in his early 30's - the latter was 36 when he was at last replaced - and for the Lions for years was an opening batsman.   He could have developed on international level and built a good career for himself and the Proteas.   That was not the case.   To start building a career on international level  when most players are already past their prime playing age is not realistic.

I think that since  2014 only De Kock and Rabada  - who were top class in the Under 19 WC - and on a slightly lower level  Markram and Ngidi - were real youngster selections.  Especially over the last  two years a number of over and near thirties players were picked, 

Dave is right - there are a number of talented youngsters who has ample development potential that should be brought into and used by the Proteas against especially weaker teams to enhance their self-believe and give them an opportunity to start and built with confidence their international careers.   

Of those the following forced their way into the squad already:-

*    Verreinne

*    Van Tonder 

*    Mulder

*    M Pretorius

Mulder was used in one test before and then got injured and was out of the game for a long time,   In his second test he was a really good all-rounder,   I see Mulder rather as a batting all-rounder and Pretorius as a bowling all-rounder, 

There is a number of other players Dave mentioned and  to his list I would add Sipamla and Coetzee - provided they get the right coaching..    With regard  to Sipamla one must remember that Steyn also had a horrid start in tests in Australia - but develop  afterwards to be the no 1 bowler in the world.

There  is one issue that bothers me about virtually all the older players who retired since  2013 and that is what I call the 6:1 factor. representing 6 sub-par batting performances and 1 good one.   After two years of that tendency Du Plessis and Elgar fell totally into the 6:1 factor category,   Will their next six innings be sub-par again?   I suspect the 6:1 factor will prevail.