The South African cricket team’s preparation for the game against West Indies in the ICC World Cup 2019 has been dominated by the news of one-time talisman AB De Villiers offering a return to the side just prior to the selection committee meeting for the tournament. Although there have been several theories floating in the media, it is pretty distracting for a team battling poor form. The Proteas need a win badly, but it will not be easy given West Indies are playing some good cricket at the moment. The Caribbean boys have the firepower in both their batting and bowling unit but will need to learn to keep things simple at times in the game. So, who are the players to watch out for in the game? Let us have a quick look. South Africa vs West Indies Head-to-Head Record: Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Clash, Here Are Match Results of Last 5 SA vs WI Encounters!

Faf Du Plessis

Faf Du Plessis (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

The under-fire skipper needs to have a good game for his country as they stare at a fourth consecutive defeat in the World Cup. He has got the starts in the tournament so far but failed to convert it into a big score which has hurt his team’s prospects. South Africa vs West Indies Cricket Score 15th ODI Match in ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019.

David Miller

David Miller (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

He has been around for a long time with the South African team to know about the gravity of the situation. When the chips are down, you need the senior pros to come in and take the game by the scruff of the neck and the Proteas need a similar effort from David Miller. South Africa vs West Indies ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Weather Report: Check Out the Rain Forecast and Pitch Report of The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Shai Hope

Shai Hope (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

World number 4 in ODI batting charts, Shai Hope has been a revelation so far for the West Indies getting runs consistently in the top order. His dismissal against West Indies turned the complexion of the game as he looked dangerous out there in the middle playing some fine shots while blocking the good bowls.

Sheldon Cottrell

Sheldon Cottrell (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

The West Indies pacer is quite a popular cricketer owing to his celebration after effecting a dismissal. The South Africans particularly their openers have shown their vulnerability against fast bowling which could be exploited by Sheldon Cottrell.

Andre Russell

Andre Russell (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

Although there are question marks over his availability for the game, he is one player that lifts the spirit of the team be it with the bat or his bowling. He could very well turn out to be the difference between the two teams with the kind of form he has shown this year.

South Africa vs West Indies, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 15 Video Preview

South Africa are in a do or die situation early on in the campaign and it will be interesting to see how they respond to it given West Indies are a tough side to beat.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2019 11:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).