Of course, this being South Africa, Maphaka will know he is far from the only fast bowler who might crack the nod should Rabada not make his way back in time. So it helps his chances that he has room to breathe in Namibia, where an experimental squad does not include Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder or Codi Yusuf — who all played Tests last year. Then again, Duan Jansen, Eathan Bosch and Nqobani Mokoena are there, as was Lutho Sipamla before he was ruled out after hurting a hamstring in Saturday’s match. Andile Simelane was called up in his place. That said, few of those bowlers are in Maphaka’s league of pace and potential. He has the edge on most of the chasing pack.
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