South Africa announce squad for triangular T20 series in Zimbabwe - Cricket News Update
Cricket South Africa, on Wednesday announced its 15-member squad for next month’s unofficial triangular T20 series in Zimbabwe, which will also feature hosts and Bangladesh.
Hard-hitting middle-order batsman, Faf du Plessis, who impressed selectors with his startling performances for Chennai Super Kings in the recently concluded season five of the Indian Premier League, has been named in the squad.
The 27-year-old Pretoria batsman has so far played 21 One Day Internationals for South Africa is yet to debut in the Test and T20 format of the game. In the recently concluded IPL-V, du Plessis has been opening the innings for Super
Kings and compiled 398 runs from 12 outings, at an average of 33.16, including three half centuries as well.
The Cricket South Africa convener of selectors, Andrew Hudson, said that du Plessis’ ability to bat at the top as well as in the middle-order provides them extra options.
"Du Plessis has been a stand-out performer for the Chennai Super Kings at the IPL and well deserves his T20 call-up,” said Hudson while speaking to the media reporters after announcing the squad. “He has given us exciting, extra
options by demonstrating his ability both at the top of the order and in the middle-order,” he added further.
While du Plessis’ inclusion in the squad was expected, the Highveld Lions' allrounder, Chris Morris, came as a complete surprise as he has just completed his full first class season. Hudson said that Morris' selection in the national
squad was part of CSA’s policy of creating international opportunities for the top performers of domestic cricket.
The selectors have rested the experienced quartet of AB de Villiers, Morne Morkel, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn, all returning from India after playing a full IPL season with their respective franchises.
"The four players concerned have turned out in virtually all their games for their franchises during the Indian Premier League,” said the CSA convener of selectors.
"In addition they are involved in all three international formats for the Proteas and this is the last chance to rest them until the end of the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September and October,” he added further.
Johan Botha will lead the Proteas in the unofficial tri-series, which begins in Harare on June 18 with Zimbabwe taking on Bangladesh.
Squad: Johan Botha (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Marchant de Lange, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Richard Levi, Albie Morkel, Chris Morris, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Lonwabo
Tsotsobe, Dane Vilas (wk).
Tags: