Had Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma been fit and available for selection for the ongoing series in Pakistan, Tony de Zorzi would have most likely been left out.
However, the 28-year-old has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, scoring a sparkling century in the first Test in Lahore and a half-century in the first innings of the ongoing second Test in Rawalpindi.
His return to form has given birth to interesting discussion points; one being whether or not he has done enough to secure a spot in the playing XI in India next month, as Bavuma is expected to return for that series.
With the century in Lahore, De Zorzi now has two Test centuries, both being in the subcontinent following his impressive 177 in Chattogram a year ago.
The left-hander clearly has the game necessary to succeed in spin-friendly tracks, a feat that will be hard to ignore for coach Shukri Conrad, the national selector Patrick Moroney and captain Bavuma heading into the India series.
There are few combinations that could potentially work in De Zorzi’s favour, one being that of Ryan Rickelton taking over the wicket-keeping gloves during the India series, following what has been a rather disappointing three innings in Pakistan by Kyle Verreynne.
Or, Senuran Muthusamy could sit out, despite having been impressive in Pakistan with 11 wickets in one match and a potentially match-winning 87 in the first innings in Rawalpindi.
Should Muthusamy sit out, that would mean De Zorzi and Bavuma are both in the top five in India, while Verreynne would then be given a longer rope, having proven with a century in Bangladesh that he can score big runs in Asia.
Another discussion point that De Zorzi’s return to form has brought is whether or not he is more suitable to play in the subcontinent.
That narrative is supported by the numbers; De Zorzi has only one 30-plus score in nine Test innings between his two Test centuries and averages under 15 on home soil, while he averages over 70 in the subcontinent.
However, it is important to remember that De Zorzi earned his maiden Test call-up on the back of dominant batting performances in the Cricket South Africa Four-Day Series here at home.
The 28-year-old grew up playing in the high veld and switched teams to Western Province, where he has since become one of the top batters in the country.
The left-hander really should not be boxed as a better option for subcontinent tours, but instead should be celebrated for his success in the part of the world, especially with the important Test series in India next month and another in Sri Lanka next year.
