Date-stamped : 05 Nov96 - 22:13 5 November 1996 No New Faces To Join South Africa For Tests Convenor Peter Pollock and the rest of the South African selec- tion panel have decided to entrust the 14 man squad currently un- beaten in the Titan Cup series with the task of defeating India in the forthcoming 3 test series that begins later this month. Whilst the selectors are keeping faith with a currently winning combination, there is - contrary to Pollock`s habitual assertion that he is not a gambler - an element of risk in the decision. Fanie de Villiers, Alan Donald and Brian McMillan seem certain to shoulder the seam burden, and Pat Symcox has done more than enough to warrant a recall as a test spinner. But should SA de- cide to deploy a 5 man attack in the Tests then they will have to call on Derek Crookes, Nic Boje or Lance Klusener - all of whom are still learning their craft at top level. Pollock has reserved the option of sending Paul Adams and/or Shaun Pollock to join the squad, should they prove themselves fully recovered from their injuries, but neither is suffciently fit to tour at the moment, and nor are Brett Schultz or Craig Matthews. Similarly the selection policy places a huge burden on Dave Richardson. According to Pollock, Richardson has opted to play in every tour fixture. But it is worrying that the selectors have not even named a standby wicketkeeper. Pollock said that although an understudy to Richardson would not be sent to India, a player was on standby and contingency travel arrangements had been made. The identity of this standby `keeper remains a mystery though, and it underlines the thorniest problem that the SA selectors have - finding an heir apparent to Richardson. Steve Palframan filled the then injured Richardson`s berth in the World Cup squad. He never quite looked the part and dropped a crucial catch in the quarterfinal. Errol Stewart and Gerhardus Liebenberg have both toured as second wicketkeeper, but neither keeps wicket for his province now. If the selectors need to send a replacement to India then it`s possible that either Transvaal`s Nick Pothas or Paul Kirsten, the man who keeps wicket to Adams at Western Province, will get the nod. Contributed by Bob.Dubery (dauphin@aztec.co.za)