Friday 16 March 2018 12:08, UK
It's a very diverse team this week, with five different nations represented.
Test stars rub shoulders with associate players from the ICC World Cup qualifiers in what looks a well-balanced eleven...
JONNY BAIRSTOW (England)
A 58-ball ton meant that England cruised to victory in the ODI series decider against New Zealand in Christchurch. Moving up the order has worked wonders for him and the team. I wonder if the same needs to be done in the Test side?
ALEX HALES (England)
The fight for England's two ODI opening slots is intense at the moment and Hales' 61 in the final game of the series has muddied the waters further. Some think his consistency gives him the edge over Jason Roy, the man who broke Hales' individual score record just nine games ago.
HASHIM AMLA (South Africa)
Only made 56 in the first innings of the second Test against Australia in Port Elizabeth but, in conditions that were far from easy, he and Dean Elgar played a crucial role in setting up South Africa's eventual lead. Is going to have to continue to score tough runs in the remaining two Tests against a potent Aussie attack.
AB DE VILLIERS (South Africa) - captain
Has been head and shoulders above the other South Africa batsmen so far in the series and his century at St George's Park was a timely reminder of his brilliance in every format. Although Faf du Plessis skippers the side, it was a real 'captain's knock'. Test cricket has missed him.
USMAN KHAWAJA (Australia)
The only Australian to look totally comfortable in the second innings, standing up to an inspired Rabada. It wasn't enough to save the match but Khawaja's 75 has eased the pressure on him going into the next game.
LIAM LIVINGSTONE (England)
Impressed in England's warm-up match in New Zealand and has given the selectors something to think about for the first Test in Auckland. Has come on leaps and bounds since his first-class debut in 2016.
MATTHEW CROSS (Scotland) - wicketkeeper
Scotland have looked full of confidence at the ICC World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, and keeper Matthew Cross was the latest player to stand up with a century in their hammering of the UAE. The Scots are still unbeaten; if they can hold on and qualify it will be a huge achievement against some teams with far greater resources.
CHRIS WOAKES (England)
Woakes' new ball spells in the New Zealand ODIs have been outstanding, and he was at it again in the final game of the series in Christchurch, taking 3-32. England's thrilling batsmen take most of the limelight but the new-ball bowling played a big part in the series win.
KAGISO RABADA (South Africa)
A sensational performance in the second Test - 11 wickets for 150 runs - took him to the top of the Test bowler rankings. He needs to stop the aggressive send-offs, which have resulted in him being banned for the rest of the series. He has since appealed that decision, and I do hope he can still play some part - it will be a far better series if he's involved.
LUNGI NGIDI (South Africa)
Was the main support act with the ball for Rabada and went home with five important wickets from the second Test. A return of 14 wickets from his first three Tests is an excellent start to the 21-year-old's fledgling international career.
MUJEEB UR RAHMAN (Afghanistan)
The 16-year-old mystery spinner looks an incredible prospect, having outbowled Rashid Khan in Zimbabwe. He has taken three three-wicket hauls so far in the tournament, including in their upset win over the West Indies. Remember the name!
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