Centurion: After their first effort caused a major philosophical glitch in the system along with a serious bout of national indigestion, the South African selectors meet at the Wanderers tomorrow to patch up their image as they look at options for the Test series against Zimbabwe.

What with statements which caused enough waves to place a serious question mark over Hansie Cronje’s future, the ensuing backwash of which has left piles of litter spread along the beach noted for its quicksand, chances are those who gather to express their views will actually talk about the coming season’s plans and not delve into the realm of politics.

It can only be assumed when they met to announce the side in August for the LG Cup quadrangular, the message they handed out was more about the politics of the side than one about this season’s longer-term planning. This being the case it can be assumed then they are going to announce a team of 12 for the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein starting today week and sort out the remainder of the season when they meet to mull over the second Zimbabwe Test as well as the South Africa A side to play Sri Lanka A.

To name two squads at this juncture of the season makes no sense at all. How would Boeta Dippenaar feel if he was selected for the Bloemfontein Test and also saw his name in the A Team for the match against Sri Lanka A when the second Test is played in Harare at the same time. After the Cronje episode Rushdie Majiet’s panel do not want to send mixed signals again, especially as the series against England starts 10 days after the Harare game is scheduled to end.

With one selector abroad on business and the other indulging in old men’s marbles on some Port Elizabeth bowling green, the five selectors have most likely made up their minds who they want for the Bloemfontein match and let it go at that. Hopefully they will have allowed themselves a little latitude in terms of experimenting for the Zimbabwe matches with an eye on the future. If not they have allowed an opportunity to slip past them.

Chances are Herschelle Gibbs may not be considered because of his injury which allows the selectors a chance to experiment with Dippenaar as an opener with senior pro in Gary Kirsten. It would also allow them to consider Dale Benkenstein and Nic Pothas as possibilities if only to give them a taste of Test level competition against one of the weaker countries, allowing Mark Boucher and Jonty Rhodes a chance to concentrate on their form in the SuperSport Series.

One argument is to go in with six batsmen and bring in the extra bowler, resting Lance Klusener for the games against England. Suggestions are for David Terbrugge to make a comeback, retain Steve Elworthy or add Greg Smith to give the attack some variety. As it is South Africa are starting to earn the reputation of being West Indian, or one-dimensional in their approach with a battery of pace, seam and swing. It is a question of who to leave out rather than dishing out too many new caps.

A possible line up is:

Gary Kirsten, Boeta Dippenaar, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Hansie Cronje (capt), Dale Benkenstein, Nic Pothas, Shaun Pollock, Steve Elworthy, Allan Donald, Paul Adams, David Terbrugge/Greg Smith.