Aiden Markram reveals Proteas' selection dilemma: Smith vs Stubbs for T20 World Cup opener

Proteas T20 captain Aiden Markram claims it will be a straight shoot-out between Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs for the No 6 spot in the opening T20 World Cup clash against Canada in Ahmedabad on Monday (3:30pm start).

Stubbs was a late inclusion in the Proteas World Cup squad after Donovan Ferreira was ruled out through injury.

But the Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper has shown good form since by leading his team to the Betway SA20 title with an undefeated 63 in the final at Newlands, and also struck 45 not out off just 21 balls against India in the warm-up game in Navi Mumbai earlier this week.

Smith also struck 35 off 23 balls against India, while he blitzed 26 off only 10 balls against West Indies in the rain-interrupted last T20I at the Wanderers.

“It will be between the two of them,” Markram said. “That's still one part we're trying to work out going into tomorrow (Monday).

“Both of them are showing really good signs, they're both hitting the ball really well, playing very impactful knocks, which is what you need at that role so at least whichever way you go you're picking a guy that's in form and hitting the ball well. 

“We'll make that call and I'll take it but the two of them are definitely our No 6 options for now.”

Both Smith and Stubbs offer the opportunity of a part-time bowling option, which could be favourable for Markram if his frontline bowlers come under pressure, but neither have done any bowling in the recent past.

“It’s great to have the option as a captain so having conversations with them, they have been bowling, doing a bit of work there just in case they need it,” he said.

“Nowadays things can go against plan and you need to fill in some overs and between myself and the two of them or whichever one of them plays we can hopefully do a job for the team.”

Smith and Stubbs played together in the same XI during the preceding West Indies series, but that was due to David Miller still struggling with his injury picked up in the latter stages of Betway SA20.

Miller has now returned to fitness and will most likely slot in the No 5 position, and Markram is excited to have the veteran back and ready to go.

“I think initially he was quite frustrated. I think he got through SA20 or almost got through SA20 and was in a really good space. Unfortunately he gets a little niggle and that will frustrate anyone,” he said.

“He's now in a good space. He's been training hard, obviously doing lots of stuff with the physios and trainers to make sure his body's good and it's looking really good and the way he's hitting the ball, like you mentioned, is a real big positive for us. 

“I'd say his space now is good, confident, excited and it's a good space to have a David Miller in a space like that.”

The Proteas will name their playing XI at the toss on Monday.