Craig Kieswetter’s rapid promotion to the England set-up so soon after achieving qualification has been criticised as much as it has been applauded.
Most observers realise he is an obvious candidate to provide power at the top of the batting order in coloured clothing, but his South Africa origin is hard to ignore.
He joins Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Matt Prior and Andrew Strauss as England current players who were born in the Rainbow Nation, although the latter two players are very much part of the English cricket system.
This is of course nothing new, with the only difference between now and the influx of South African players in the 1970s and 1980s being their reason for leaving.
More controversy might lay ahead. Just as Kieswetter seems to have ended the search for a replacement for his county colleague Marcus Trescothick, another power hitter is stating his case, and yes, he was born in South Africa.
However, Michael Lumb, son of Yorkshire stalwart Richard has more English cricketing roots than most, although his development was guided by the South African system. Either way his brand of muscular opening batting cannot be ignored for much longer.
He has the same imposing presence at the crease as Trescothick and shares the same priceless ability to hit over the top without slogging, setting him apart from the nudgers and accumulators who have tried to replace Banger.
Lumb should be selected alongside Kieswetter for the forthcoming World Twenty20, which should be the launching pad for the powerful pair to build an opening partnership in ODI cricket as well.
England’s World Twenty20 odds suggest they will struggle to win the tournament, but increased power at the top of the order could boost their chances.
Meanwhile, in football news, England’s World Cup 2010 odds make them thirds favourites to win the competition despite the fact a number of key players could miss the tournament.