Markram, Rickelton, Sipamla… Which changes would you make to Proteas team for second NZ Test?

Cape Town — After the nightmare first Test in Christchurch, which changes should be made to the Proteas starting XI for the second Test against New Zealand?

Well, the South Africans need to offer something different at Hagley Oval from Friday, so here is how we think they should line up – remembering that Lungi Ngidi is unlikely to play again due to his back injury…

1 Dean Elgar (captain)

The skipper will hope to regain the form that he showed in scoring an unbeaten 96 against India to guide the Proteas to victory in the second Test.

2 Sarel Erwee

It was a tough baptism of fire for the Dolphins left-hander on Test debut, but now that the nerves have settled a bit, Erwee will look to display the determination that got him into the squad in the first place.

3 Rassie van der Dussen

Aiden Markram is woefully out of form, and cannot continue in the Test side for the moment.

Van der Dussen, meanwhile, is flourishing in ODI cricket, but battling in the longer format. But he has the technique and temperament to handle the pressure of batting at No 3, and this is the game to prove it.

4 Temba Bavuma

The Proteas vice-captain was the top-scorer in the second innings of the first Test with 41, and played some cracking shots that will hopefully grow into an even bigger score in the second match.

5 Zubayr Hamza

The Western Province star made the most runs, 25, in the disastrous first-innings 95 in the first Test, where he also faced the most balls (74) and looked in decent touch. Hamza stuck around for 32 balls in the second innings as well – the third-most in the team – although he only scored six. Deserves another chance.

6 Kyle Verreynne

The wicket-keeper finally showed some of the class that has seen him dominate the domestic