WITH South Africa's opening fixture in the ICC Champions Trophy right around the corner, one can only imagine the selection headache that limited-overs coach Rob Walter is battling.
The 49-year-old has nine batters who can bat in the top five. Somehow, the coach needs to make room to slot them into the Top 7.
Does he open the batting with the two lefties Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi? But that would mean Temba Bavuma, who's been successful opening the batting in ODI cricket, shifts down to No 4 as Rassie van der Dussen has made the number three spot his own.
With Bavuma at four, Aiden Markram would bat at five, Heinrich Klaasen at six, and perhaps David Miller at seven, which would be too low for each of the batters. And we haven't spoken about Tristan Stubbs who's been in good touch in 50 over cricket recently and him batting at eight would be injustice.
Then the question becomes where Wiaan Mulder, the only genuine all-rounder in the side who gives Walter's team great balance, would fit in the side?
However difficult the selection process will be for this tournament, this is the situation Walter would rather find himself in, one filled with options than having very few to choose from ahead of such a big tournament.
"Sometimes, no matter how well you're playing, you're not going to play," Mulder said while speaking to Independent Media about the possibility of not being included in the playing XI.
"In the end, I'm not trying to take it too seriously whether I'm included or not. I'm just trying to play my best cricket so that if and when an opportunity arises I do my absolute best to take it."
Having debuted eight years ago in ODIs, Mulder has played only 22 matches as he has struggled to meet expectations. However, this season, Mulder – who celebratred his 28th birthday on Wednesday – has come of age, at least in Test cricket, delivering with both bat and ball.
In ODIs as well, especially in the recently concluded tri-series in Pakistan, his half-century against New Zealand and his wicket-taking ability would have given Walter something to think about ahead of the first match.
Happy birthday to our brilliant all-rounder, Wiaan Mulder! 🎂🥳
Wishing you another excellent year ahead, compounded with more success and amazing memories! 🏏🔥 #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/VedmvHiiLe
Despite having had a tough start to his international career, the all-rounder is still motivated to be the player that wins games for South Africa in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
"A lot of the time I get quite frustrated with how I perform and (look) down on myself that I don't push myself enough," Mulder said.
"I feel sometimes I don't perform to the best of my ability that's why I keep coming back because I want to be the guy that wins games for South Africa and puts in big performances.
"Eventually, (I want to) break into all three formats for South Africa and put my hand up and win games. In the end, it all comes down to performance, putting numbers on the board and impacting the game.
"That's what I'm trying to focus on, getting myself into the best mental space and enjoying what I'm doing."