The South African ODI team was punted as the world's most balanced limited-overs outfit in the lead-up to the recent Champions Trophy, but yet another failure in a major tournament has caused the selectors to re-think the make-up of the squad. iafrica.com's Tim Human takes a look at what the 'new-look' side has in store.

Herschelle Gibbs seems to have been on the cusp of being dropped ever since he started using the year as his shirt number, but each time the axe seemed ready to drop, he summoned up an innings that reminded us of what a ridiculous talent he is.

But it seems inconsistency has finally caught up with the 35 year-old and he, along with Makhaya 'can't bowl a slower ball' Ntini, has been given the chop.

So it's out with Hersch and in with domestic run-machine Alviro Petersen. But the Lions opening batsmen won't occupy the spot you might expect.

"We're looking at Alviro at five. We know it's out of position, but we believe he can adapt and he has been a prolific run-scorer in the last couple of seasons,? Convener of selectors Mike Procter told Supercricket.

"Mickey Arthur and Graeme [Smith] want Jacques to open and AB [de Villiers] will then move up to three and JP Duminy to four," Procter said.

Sound thinking

The thinking behind this move is sound. Kallis has gotten used to coming in after the early departure of Gibbs, and his measured approach is the perfect foil for Smith's aggression.

Great international teams have always had their best batsmen at three and four, and the dynamic duo known by their initials (AB and JP) are well on their way to becoming the most feared partnership in world cricket, both in the ODI and Test arenas.

So that's the top-four sorted. It has an ominous look about, doesn't it?

Petersen at five may look like a conservative choice and the more attack-minded Justin Ontong can consider himself unlucky, but it makes sense because the big-hitting Albie Morkel is moving up the order.

"We're also looking to take pressure off Albie Morkel in terms of his bowling," said Procter, "We'd like to play him at six and use him as more of a pure batsman."

No ten over spells from Morkel then, and Kallis' days as a front-line strike bowler are receding as fast as his hair-line (ok that's a bit harsh, no disrespect to the great JK.)

The point is: new blood is needed in the all-rounder department. Enter Ryan Mclaren.

The former Kent and Eagles seamer has a proven track record at domestic level, but he has never really caught the imagination as a one-day player. He will have his chance though, and will provide an alternative to the twin-spin option Johan Botha and Roeloef van der Merwe.