Over the last few years there's been a "surge" in allrounders from ZIM/SA turning out for or knocking on the doors of NZ, AUS and ENG:
1. Colin de Grandhomme
2. Sam Curran (Tom not really an allrounder)
3. Marnus Labuschagne*
4. Michael Neser
5. Hilton Cartwright
Ryan Higgins has been putting up the numbers, and he's probably detected a trend. You have to be exceptional at both batting and bowling in order to feature.
Keaton Jennings and Jason Roy are the exception, and they had to put up huge numbers or be something very special. And Jofra Archer is very special in that regard!
One would imagine that County/Shield sides will probably focus on superior "South African" exports, and unless they are allrounders, it will take exceptional numbers for the likes of specialists Welch and Byrom to have a chance at County cricket. never mind Engaldn selection as a gary Ballance who is bossing County Division One, is not even being considered despite a suspect England Test middle order.
I expect Higgins to make the England Lions within the next 12 months, and if he most likely does well, to have an England Test cap by the end of 2020(in fact, he might even skip the Lions all together and get direct selection). Woakes(not getting any younger), Stokes and Curran will need resting/rotation.
Bets?
Plus, Grant Elliot will most likely not be the last "export" to break Protea hearts.
*I suppose Sakib exploits makes us grudgingly allow a spinner-allrounder. Although he does average 41, 42 and 63 bowling against SL, IND and PAK respectively in Tests, which means my "no spinner allrounders in Tests" argument hods true![/i]
Voice of reason.
