Domingo yet to be briefed on NZ series targets

South Africa coach Russell Domingo has not yet been given a mandate about the targets his bosses expect him to implement for the New Zealand Tests. The two-match series is the first South Africa play since last month's announcement that CSA will impose selection criteria relating to the number of players of colour in all national teams in accordance with a memorandum of understanding signed with the country's sports ministry.

"There has been nothing officially documented to me at the moment. We will continue to do what we have always done and that is pick our best XI players," Domingo said.

South Africa have - officially between the late 1990s and 2002, and unofficially since then - adhered to a policy of an average of four players of colour in a starting XI. The most recent example of this application came during the 2015 World Cup semi-final when Vernon Philander, who had battled injury through the tournament, was picked ahead of the in-form Kyle Abbott after South Africa's captain, coach and convener of selectors had met with the CEO, who reminded them of the need to pick the best XI "bearing in mind transformation guidelines."

In the immediate aftermath of the tournament, domestic targets in South Africa were increased. Each franchise was required to field at least six players of colour, of which at least two had to be black African, up from five players of colour the season before, but CSA maintained there was no pressure to do the same at the national level.

However, in April this year, CSA became one of four national federations to be banned from bidding for or hosting major tournaments by the sports ministry as punishment for the slow rate of transformation. The ministry deemed teams that comprised 60% players of colour to be representative. Cricket fell short by 5%.

In order to meet the 60% criteria, South Africa would need to field at least seven players of colour in the national team. The squad for the upcoming New Zealand series includes seven players of colour, of which two are black African, and Domingo insists all of them will play on merit. "We are fortunate in that it hasn't been an issue for this particular side. If someone says to me Kagiso Rabada is playing because he is black, they can go and jump in the Indian Ocean because he is a world-class player," Domingo said. "And if someone says Hashim Amla or JP Duminy or Dane Piedt is playing because of the colour of their skin, they are smoking something. They have proven themselves at domestic cricket and in international cricket. We are just going on business as usual."

However, several local media institutions have reported that CSA and the ministry have agreed on six players of colour as long as two are black African, which will present an additional challenge to team balance. Already, Domingo has indicated South Africa will field a specialist spinner, and with Piedt the only option in that department, he will fulfill that requirement while also filling up one of the players of colour slots.

"We always want to lean towards playing a spinner. The wicket in Durban over the last five or six years has helped the spinners. Also, for the development of our team, it's important that we give the spinner the opportunity to try and settle into that position," Domingo said.

With the top five settled - Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy - and filling up another two of the player of colour slots, the competition will come in the lower order and bowling department. South Africa have two options for the allrounder's spot in Wayne Parnell and Chris Morris, although they may opt to use Vernon Philander in that position at the outset. They also have four bowlers to choose from, including Dale Steyn, Philander, Abbott and Rabada, with Abbott the most likely to miss out.

Although both Steyn and Philander sat out a significant part of the previous season with injuries, Domingo indicated they were in line for recalls on reputation alone. "Welcoming Dale and Vernon back after a long time with their experience, to go with the excitement of Rabada, is good for us," he said. "We are very glad to have Dale back. He gives the side a lot of confidence and a lot of belief. Also, it puts the opposition under a bit of pressure, knowing that Dale Steyn is in the line-up."

Perhaps the only thing that will push Abbott ahead is that Kingsmead was his home ground - he has since moved to Warriors at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth - although like everyone else, he may not know what to expect from the conditions in August. Never before has a Test been played in Durban at this time of the year, and Domingo is expecting some unknowns.

"For five or six days out, the pitch looks pretty good," he said. "They've got to take more time because there's not as much heat as there is in summer, but it looks really good. I am a little bit concerned with the outfield, it doesn't look too good. We also don't know how much the ball is going to swing in the morning, or if the field will be dry when we start in the morning. Those are the things we need to consider."