Wicketkeeper Dane Vilas, uncapped batsman Rilee Rossouw and fast bowler Hardus Viljoen have all been released from the Proteas squad to do duty for their domestic sides. Vilas, was flown in on the morning of the third Test to replace the injured Quinton de Kock. And as De Kock passed a fitness Test on Wednesday, it meant Vilas would not be required.
On Tuesday, Dale Steyn was ruled out of the match after failing to recover from a persistent shoulder injury, while struggling left-handed opener Stiaan van Zyl was dropped after playing the first three Tests and returning a meagre average of 13.8. On Monday, Lions opener Stephen Cook was added to the squad and should be a direct replacement for Van Zyl.
Cook, 33, has amassed over 11 427 first class runs scored during his knock and continues to hold the unenviable record of the most first class runs scored without playing for South Africa. The Lions skipper last season scored 889 runs as his side claimed their first four-day series title in 15 years.
Cook should open the batting with left-hander Dean Elgar, meaning the Proteas will also boast a handy left-right combination at the top of the order.
Elgar said it had been difficult for the selectors to ignore the performances of Cook.
“Cookie has been knocking on the door for a long time. With a lot of domestic performances he’s put in … you can’t not notice what he has done in the last two or three seasons,” said Elgar after a training session on Wednesday.
Elgar sympathised with Van Zyl who had been tasked with opening the batting despite prefering a place in the middle order.
“He’s [Cook] done very well for the Lions. He has put up his hand and put a lot of pressure on the openers. It’s unfortunate that Stiaan is the guy that’s been left out. I feel for him because he was asked to do a job that was foreign for him. It’s an exciting time for Stephen and I know he is looking forward to it. A lot has been written in the media about him never gaving up hope of playing for South Africa.
“I feel it was a position Stiaan was very capable of doing. If the momentum is on your side, you can run with it. I feel for him because I know what it’s like being in bad form. I don’t really have much to say on him opening the batting, but I do sympathise with him.”
The team has also been on the receiving end of criticism from former players Graeme Smith, Pat Symcox and Ashwell Prince, but Elgar said the Proteas were strong enough mentally to shrug it off.
“The best is to try and laugh it off. If you let that affect you, its taking a few steps back. I’m sure every player will say they don’t read what’s in the media, I do read the media. You have to be a little bit thick skinned and try and take the positives out. It is disheartening to hear those things in the media. The Test side is a tight unit, and I know that the cricket doesn’t reflect that, but we are. I can vouch for that. It is a little bit unpleasant hearing it in the media.
