Wiser Theunis de Bruyn's Proteas recall for Oz is a 'no-brainer'

Theunis de Bruyn's newfound maturity and mental strength proved decisive factors in him earning a recall to the Proteas Test side.

The 30-year-old Titans stalwart - who only averages 19 in 12 Tests - can be considered a relatively surprising inclusion given that he hasn't appeared at international level since October 2019, but it also "feels right" as he remains one of the most gifted and attacking stroke-makers in the country.

Indeed, with South African cricket grappling with a crisis of depth among its pool of batters, national selection convener Victor Mpitsang and interim Test head coach Malibongwe Maketa subtly conveyed that exact sentiment: When the cupboard isn't bulging at its hinges, you can't really afford to keep ignoring a player of De Bruyn's ability.

"Theunis is an experienced player. He's been part of the national setup before and a guy we've monitored extensively. He had a good season last year," said Mpitsang on Monday. 

"If you look at our batting lineup, there's a lack of experience even with Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma back. We needed some extra experience."

It's not that De Bruyn doesn't have the numbers behind his name to have staked a claim, it's just that it came in a different format - a superb One-Day Cup campaign, where he smashed 418 runs at an average of 60 and strike rate of 116.

Illness curtailed his first-class campaign to six innings, where he still averaged 43 in scoring 214 runs.

Maketa is even more frank about De Bruyn's inclusion.

"If you look into the system, to see who's performed there or have experienced Australia, there aren't a lot. Theunis hasn't either," he said.

"But he's played enough cricket over the years to have the experience [to take a chance on him there].  Take