Shukri Conrad, South Africa's Test coach, has announced that Tristan Stubbs will be given a substantial opportunity as the team's No. 3 batsman, despite his relative inexperience. Conrad, who is responsible for selecting both the squad and the playing XI, is committed to giving Stubbs a "good run" in the role, drawn by the potential he sees in him.
"Technique is crucial since you'll face the new ball most of the time," Conrad said from Trinidad, where South Africa will play the West Indies in the first of two Tests starting Wednesday. "Stubbs is quite an imposing character, a big, strong player, and I appreciate that. Having players with a strong presence at the top of the order is something I value, as it adds to the team's aura and body language."
The top three for South Africa in this series will include Aiden Markram, who stands at 1.85 meters and captained the Under-19 World Cup-winning team; Tony de Zorzi, known for his outspoken personality, especially on social media; and Stubbs, who is 1.84 meters tall and broad-shouldered.
Conrad did not specify the advantage of having three physically imposing players, but it may relate to their captain, Temba Bavuma, who is 1.62 meters tall and has not played in a Test match since March. Bavuma, having missed recent games due to injuries, is fully rehabilitated and ready to take on the No. 4 spot. He is one of only three squad members with over 50 Test caps, alongside Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj. Bavuma’s role is to provide stability, and Stubbs is expected to support him in that capacity.
Stubbs' statistics reinforce Conrad's confidence. In 18 first-class matches, he boasts an impressive average of 50.20. His most notable innings was a double century against Kwa-Zulu Natal Inland in February last year. He has also scored a century for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A. Stubbs was first considered for the No. 3 position during that tour, and Conrad plans to give him a chance throughout the World Test Championship cycle.
South Africa will play eight more Tests in this cycle, including matches in the West Indies, Bangladesh, and at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. This variety of opposition and conditions will provide Stubbs with ample opportunities to establish himself. Conrad’s guidance to Stubbs and other batters is to remain true to their own identity while adapting to conditions and opposition.