Proteas injuries create opportunities for Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs

CONSISTENCY and quiet form can still keep a player in the picture, even when international doors appear to have closed. The latest Proteas recalls underline that point, with injuries opening opportunities for players who have stayed productive and visible rather than drifting out of contention.

Rampant speculation that Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira would be ruled out of next month’s T20 World Cup due to injury was confirmed on Thursday. De Zorzi has not played since December, when he strained his hamstring in the second ODI against India, while Ferreira was spotted at Joburg Super Kings net sessions this week with his arm in a sling after falling awkwardly at the Wanderers.

Cricket South Africa have named Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs as their official replacements, both for next week’s T20I series against the West Indies and the T20 World Cup itself. For players who had fallen out of favour, the recalls serve as a reminder that form and availability still matter.

For some observers, including former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn, who has been vocal in disputing Rickelton and Stubbs’ original exclusion, the late call-ups could prove a blessing in disguise.

Depth tested, opportunity created

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad was unmoved by the online narrative around the changes, explaining that he was focused on the depth now available rather than the speculation surrounding it.

“I am not even on Facebook,” Conrad said, adding that he was pleased both players had rediscovered form after difficult recent national assignments.

“I think the really good thing is that we've got players of the calibre of Stubbo and Ryan who step into their shoes,” he said.

“Always disappointing when you lose players to an original squad. But like I mentioned, the quality of players that we've got as replacements, that's rather satisfying and gratifying to know as a coach.

“So, yeah, it was wonderful that we could select guys that were in form and playing regularly and performing the way they have. Ryan has, again, been really special in terms of what he's done. And you could see Stubbo starting to run into some sort of form.”

Rickelton’s recall is underpinned by performance. He was once again excellent for MI Cape Town, finishing top of the Betway SA20 run-scoring charts after the group stages.

Stubbs’ case is more complex. Once a freestyler who burst onto the T20I scene with a blistering 72 off 28 balls against England in Bristol three-and-a-half years ago, he has since become more rigid and conservative. Although he averages 43 in the Betway SA20 for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, his strike-rate of 119.44 has been a concern.

Trying to unlock Stubbs again

It was for this reason that Conrad initially left Stubbs out of his T20 World Cup squad, but the recall has come with a clear focus on rediscovering his attacking instincts.

“Stubbo and his tempo … I think it's been a conversation that has been ongoing for a while,” Conrad said.

“But the one thing that we do know is that he's got the experience and we do know that he's got the power game and the touch game and the complete package when he's firing.

“I think it's up to us to be able to unlock all of that again. And it might just be one little switch somewhere. It might just be a knock tomorrow (Friday) night that unlocks all of that.”

Injury watch continues

Conrad also confirmed that David Miller will miss the West Indies T20I series as a precaution after suffering an adductor injury while playing for Paarl Royals. His World Cup availability depends on a fitness test, with Rubin Hermann called up for the Windies series.

He added that Lungi Ngidi is fine after leaving the field with a heavily strapped knee and remains on track for the T20 World Cup.

Proteas Squad - T20I Series against West Indies

Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Rubin Hermann, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs. 

Proteas Squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs.