Imran Tahir Rested from South Africa's ODI squad against Sri Lanka

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday left Imran Tahir from the 15-member squad for the five-match One-Day International series against Sri Lanka starting from July 29.

Meanwhile, the ODI squad will also do duty in the one-off T20 International match against Sri Lanka. They have also named South Africa ‘A’squad for the triangular limited overs series against India ‘A’ and Australia ‘A’.

South Africa is seeing this tournament as important for the upcoming World Cup in England next year. They also have rested Tahir to bring a second spinner in the ranks of international cricket.

“Both series are extremely important parts of Vision 2019 as we plan for next year’s ICC World Cup in England and Wales,” CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said. “This series will be ideal to broaden our talent pool. As far as the Proteas squad is concerned we have taken the strategic decision to rest Imran Tahir so that we can get a clearer picture as to who our best second spinner is to back him up at the World Cup,” explained Zondi.

There are two new caps in Highveld Lions batsman Reeza Hendricks and Titans fast bowler Junior Dala. Meanwhile, both of them have represented the Proteas in the shortest format of the game. Young all-rounder Wiaan Mulder also returns to the squad after missing the series against India.

In addition to the tri-series squad, the selectors have also named South Africa ‘A’ squad. They will play two four-day Test matches against India ‘A’. First-time selections at SA ‘A’ level are Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen and two young fast bowlers, Mthiwekhaya Nabe.

Premier all-rounder Chris Morris could not be considered for any of the squads because of injury.

Proteas ODI squad:

Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.

South Africa ‘A’ one-day squad (to play in triangular against Australia ‘A’ and India ‘A’):

Khaya Zondo (captain), Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien Gihahn Cloete, Theunis de Bruyn, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Pieter Malan, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Rudi Second, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Malusi Siboto

SA ‘A’ squad (to play in four-day series against India ‘A’):

Khaya Zondo (captain), Sarel Erwee, Zubayr Hamza, Beuran Hendricks, Pieter Malan, Senuran Muthusamy, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Anrich Nortje, Duanne Olivier, Dane Piedt, Dwaine Pretorius, Rudi Second, Rassie van der Dussen, Malusi Siboto, Shaun von Berg

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