South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2019: Lungi Ngidi Returns, Anrich Nortje Earns Maiden ODI Call-up

South Africa’s fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has returned back to the ODI squad after recuperating from his knee injury. Ngidi had suffered a knee injury in the ODI series against Australia which ruled him out for nearly three months. The Proteas has announced the squad for the first three One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Warriors fast bowler Anrich Nortje has earned his maiden call-up to the National squad.

Meanwhile, Wiaan Mulder who was added to the South African squad for the series against Pakistan, has been retained. South Africa was stunned by Sri Lanka as the guests became the first Asian side to win a Test series on South African soil. Thus, the hosts will look to take their revenge against Sri Lanka.

South Africa will look to turn the tables.

“It is great to have Lungi back in the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines caused by the injury he suffered in the white ball series in Australia last year,” commented CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi.

“His recent form for the Titans in the One-Day Cup has been most impressive and he is clearly match-fit for international cricket again.

“Anrich has also come back well from injury and we want to see what he can offer the Proteas after his highly impressive form in the Mzansi Super League. Outright pace is not something that you can coach, and he looks another exciting addition to our pace arsenal.

Meanwhile, JP Duminy misses out due to an injury in the first three One Dayers. However, Linda Zondi is hopeful that the talisman batsman will be fit for the last two ODIs of the series.

Furthermore, Hashim Amla also missed out in the squad. Zondi said that they are aware of the qualities Amla brings to the table. However, at the same time, he wants to give chances to other players before the ICC World Cup 2019.

“We know, for example, what Hashim Amla has to offer us and he remains a senior member of our squad.

“We are also hopeful that the last remaining Protea on the injury list, JP Duminy, will be available for the last two matches against Sri Lanka.”

Here is South Africa’s squad for the first three ODIs against Sri Lanka:

Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.