Hot weather and Jofra Archer’s absence mean the Durham bowler could prosper in third Test against South AfricaThe situation has improved markedly for England. Before the Centurion and Cape Town Tests there were not really any selection meetings. Instead there was a head count to assess whether there were 11 fit men to send out on to the field.
But in Port Elizabeth, despite the fact Jofra Archer withdrew from the net session on the eve of the match after bowling no more than a dozen deliveries, there remain a few options, which is what captains and coaches always say they prefer. This is probably true most of the time although just occasionally a benefit can be spied when there are no choices available; it means no mistakes can be made.