South Africa’s 15-man squad for the World Cup in the United Kingdom later this year have been announced – and beg several questions.

1. Is a fourth frontline seamer in Anrich Nortje completely necessary?

• Perhaps an additional seamer all-rounder in Chris Morris or Wiaan Mulder would have been a better choice.

2. Will Tabraiz Shamsi and Imran Tahir feature in the same World Cup?

• Probably not as often as India field fellow wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in tandem, but yes.

3. Does Hashim Amla deserve to be in the squad?

• Yes. Arguments about selecting on form over reputation are effectively nullified by the need for experience at World Cups.

4. Is Reeza Hendricks’ exclusion unfortunate?

• Definitely. The Proteas have opted for Amla, yes, but could have foregone Rassie van der Dussen or Aiden Markram for Hendricks.

5. Where in the order will Markram bat?

• If not Quinton de Kock’s opening partner, Markram will likely bat fourth, as was the case for the Titans last month. He batted third for Hampshire this month, though.

6. What will the likely XI be for the tournament opener against England?

• Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi,  Imran Tahir.

7. Will Nortje and Ngidi’s workloads be well managed?

• Absolutely. It’s unlikely they’ll feature in the same XI much, if at all, as rotation – regarding match time and number of overs bowled – alongside Steyn and Rabada is carefully monitored