OPINION: We could be nurturing new Proteas

THE PROTEAS must make some compromises, even when we expect 100-percent commitment from them.

We’ve seen them produce some lacklustre and erratic performances over the summer – think the first Tests against India and then in New Zealand.

But they fought back from a black eye to give their opponents a ‘bloedbek’ each time.

Now some of those five-day heroes are rumoured to be forsaking the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh for a money-making holiday to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

There are unconfirmed reports that Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen are packing their bags even after being told by Test skipper Dean Elgar that this would be “a loyalty test”.

Look, let’s be honest, I can’t blame them for taking the money and running. Petrol is ‘duur’.

But seriously, I get it. Go and get that cash.

Anyway, it could be a good time to give those guys a ‘rest’. Or at least smaller workloads.

And even better, let’s use the opportunity to find some new talent.

Duanne Olivier and Anrich Nortjé (if fit) can still lead the attack against Bangladesh.

Then there are seamer options in Lutho Siphamla and Glenton Stuurman, who could both use the series to build some confidence at this level, and also all--rounder Wiaan Mulder.

We have plenty of spinners too in Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Senuran Muthasamy who all can bat.

Then there are hungry youngsters like Dewald Brevis, who can also turn the ball.

We’re not hard-up for talent here. Let’s invest in the future here, while the ‘main manne’ cash in at the IPL.