Move Temba up to No 3 - Callaghan
Former South African batsman Dave Callaghan has suggested the "gutsy" Temba Bavuma be promoted to three in the batting order for the fourth and final test against England, which will get underway at Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday.
Bavuma opened the innings against India in Delhi in December 2015, but otherwise hasn't arrived at the crease higher than five in test match cricket.
The third test at The Oval in London brought the talented right-hander decent scores of 52 and 32, which were not enough to prevent a heavy 239-run defeat for the visitors.
"I would bring the gutsy Bavuma into No 3 - and move Hashim Amla to four, Faf du Plessis to five and Quinton de Kock to six. Bavuma is gutsy, but he will not change a game or even take it away from the opposition in the middle order," Callaghan, who played 19 ODIs between 1992 and 2000, expressed on social media.
"I also question his ability to play spin effectively, or his ability to take them on. He will perform a wonderful role up front - and give our stroke players a good foundation."
Opener Heino Kuhn, meanwhile, has endured a difficult arrival to test cricket. The 33-year-old right-hander, who debuted in the series opener, has scored a mere 78 runs from six innings - and might be replaced by the inexperienced Theunis de Bruyn or uncapped Aiden Markram at Old Trafford.
"Our batting order needs to change - or make sure they perform their roles in the side. Hopefully, Kuhn will get himself a score in the next game. He looked very awkward and was very square-on in the last innings," added Callaghan.
"His bat didn't come straight down in line with the ball. The team need a better foundation up front. We can't keep exposing Amla in the first few overs, every innings."
Allrounder Vernon Philander battled a viral infection at The Oval, where England took a vital two-one series lead, but will likely be available for selection in Manchester.
"Let's hope big Vernon recovers in the next three days. He wasn't himself this last game and the team needs him to perform with the bat and the ball. We still have an opportunity to draw the series, but our players will have to dig deep," concluded Callaghan.
