The Proteas selectors have named a team mixing experience and youth for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
There are eight players with previous World Cup experience – AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir.
‘We have also stayed true to our policy of consistency and reward for good performances that has enabled us to build up a good record over the past 12 months,’ said selection committee convener Andrew Hudson. ‘The fact that most of these series have been played away from home has provided excellent preparation as well.’
The only cloud on the horizon is the fitness of Quinton de Kock, who is recovering from a ligament injury. Morne van Wyk, captain of the Dolphins, will deputise for De Kock for the Momentum ODI Series against the West Indies.
‘Our medical committee has backed his inclusion in the squad at this stage so there is confidence that he will be ready for the tournament,’ said Hudson.
Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell were named as the back-up bowlers to the usual suspects, while Ryan McLaren, who took over the allrounder role following Jacques Kallis’ retirement, also lost his place.
JP Duminy, who has been out of action since the second week of November with a knee injury, also made the squad. He said he hoped to make be back playing before the week is out, in the first Twenty20 against West Indies on Friday, after “a long, hard period of rehab”.
Legspinner Imran Tahir and left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso made up the spin department.
South Africa, in Pool B, kick off their campaign on February 15 against Zimbabwe, in Hamilton. The other teams in their group are India, Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland and UAE.
Castle Lager Proteas World Cup squad: AB de Villiers (Titans, capt), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras, vice-capt), Kyle Abbott (Dolphins), Farhaan Behardien (Titans), Quinton de Kock (Highveld Lions), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Imran Tahir (Dolphins), David Miller (Dolphins), Morne Morkel (Titans), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Aaron Phangiso (Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Rilee Rossouw (Knights), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras).
Justin Ontong, captain of the Cape Cobras, will lead the South Africa A side in both the four-day and one-day series against the England Lions. Rory Kleinveldt will stand in for him for the first match.
SA A four-day squad: Justin Ontong (Cape Cobras, capt), Temba Bavuma (Highveld Lions), Gihahn Cloete (Knights), Theunis de Bruyn ( Titans), Marchant de Lange (Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Cape Cobras), Reeza Hendricks (Knights), Rory Kleinveldt (Cape Cobras), Eddie Leie (Highveld Lions), Ryan McLaren (Dolphins), Chris Morris (Highveld Lions), Dane Piedt (Cape Cobras), Andrew Puttick (Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions), Rudi Second (Knights), Stiaan van Zyl (Cape Cobras)
SA A one-day squad: Justin Ontong (Cape Cobras, capt), Theunis de Bruyn (Titans), Marchant de Lange (Titans), Dean Elgar (Titans), Simon Harmer (Warriors), Beuran Hendricks (Cape Cobras), Reeza Hendricks (Knights), Eddie Leie ( Highveld Lions), Ryan McLaren (Dolphins), Chris Morris (Highveld Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions), Mthokozisi Shezi (Cape Cobras), Stiaan van Zyl (Cape Cobras), Dane Vilas (Cape Cobras), Khaya Zondo (Dolphins)
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