5 Players Who Need to Perform During South Africa's ODI Series vs. NZ

There is still a week to go before South Africa begin their one-day series against New Zealand, but the players are on their way, and World Cup preparation continues to kick on into high gear.

The series against New Zealand and the one following that against Australia gives players one last chance to stake a claim for World Cup inclusion. It could be considered as the best chance to do so since these matches are being played in the same countries as where the World Cup will be held.

While the squad is mostly decided, there are a few players who need to put in some good performances in order to decide their fate. We’ve picked five candidates who need to make this tour count.

All stats and quotes via ESPNCricinfo unless otherwise stated.

David Miller has been South Africa’s expected prodigal son for quite some time now. Yet, he’s never quite managed to translate his domestic-level success into prosperity on the international stage. While some will argue that this is down to batting in the lower order, that claim is unfounded. Miller made a name for himself as being that explosive lower-order batsman who can win a game for his team.

More often than not, though, he's flopped in South African colours. Miller's place is probably more secure than other batsmen, but South Africa will want to go into the World Cup knowing they’ve got that X-factor batsman ready and in form.

Vernon Philander has had great success in Test cricket by keeping things simple. His fortunes in one-day cricket have been far more mixed. He does have the advantage of being able to bat with the lower order and get the big hits in when needed, but his bowling has often been innocuous.

He had a great bowling year in 2013, taking seven wickets in the five ODIs he played, at an average of just 15.14. However, Philander's limited overs bowling is somewhat up in the air, and where exactly he might slot into the team is not certain either.

Seeing how he performs on the New Zealand wickets will be a key factor in deciding whether his inclusion in the World Cup squad is warranted.

Morne Morkel's extra pace and bounce will be a great asset on Australian wickets, but it will be interesting to see how he goes on the flatter New Zealand tracks. He's currently going through his worst ODI bowling year since 2008.

Having played seven ODIs this year, he is averaging 32.63 for the year. That's the highest average he's had in a calendar year since 2008 and only the second time he's averaged above 25.00 since 2009.

He's only ever played two ODIs in New Zealand, and he picked up seven wickets in those two matches. While his place will not be under threat just yet, South Africa need Morkel to be in good touch heading into the tournament, and they need to decide whether his inclusion is the best for the balance of the team.

With JP Duminy as a part-time spin option, it’s unlikely that South Africa will opt for two spinners during the World Cup. Imran Tahir has become an increasingly reliable limited overs bowler, but he’s by no means a certainty.

In the longer format of the game, Tahir’s inconsistency has often been an issue. He’s far more suited to the T20 format and has been somewhat up and down in the one-day game. Aaron Phangiso is currently the second choice, but Tahir still needs to prove he can perform on tracks that don’t suit his style of bowling.

Wayne Parnell’s pace and the fact that he is a left-armer brings something completely different to the team. He had a fairly good tour of Zimbabwe earlier in the year, but like so many other bowlers, his inconsistency can be an issue.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe has recovered from injury and started the domestic one-day season with a five-wicket haul. Tsotsobe was South Africa’s best ODI bowler at one stage, but fitness issues have pegged back his progress. His experience and a consistent run in the domestic competition in South Africa could see him pip Parnell to the post, unless of course Parnell excels in the next few games.