Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2018: Dale Steyn Returns, Kagiso Rabada Rested for T20Is

South Africa speedster Dale Steyn has made his comeback to the South Proteas One-day International squad after he was named in the 16-member squad for the home series against African minnows Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, speedster Kagiso Rabada has been rested for the Twenty20 International series to manage his workload.

The first choice spinner, Imran Tahir has also been picked. Meanwhile, the selectors have also given maiden national call-up to Christiaan Jonker.

Steyn has been away from the game in the recent past due to a string of injuries. Steyn last donned the South African ODI colours around two years ago. Meanwhile, Tahir didn’t appear in Sri Lanka series.

The selectors have also decided to give rest to regular features Quinton de Kock and David Miller. They want to provide opportunities for the bench strength ahead of all important World Cup slated to be played next year.

Meanwhile, Under-19 emerging batsman Matthew Breetzke, who represented the Proteas in the U-19 World Cup earlier will be a part of the squad. It will definitely be a huge a learning experience for the youngster.

Dale Steyn makes a comeback to the ODI squad:

“The selection of Christiaan Jonker is part of the ongoing process of our Vision 2019,” Linda Zondi, the convenor of the National Selection Panel said.

 

“He had an outstanding debut in the T20 format against India. And we want to see whether he can convert that finishing form into the longer white-ball format as well,” Zondi added.

“We have also recalled Khaya Zondo to the ODI squad as another part of the pool broadening process. He had an outstanding quadrangular series for SA A in India against high-quality opposition, scoring our only century and having a strike rate of 95,” Zondi stated.

 

“We still have ODI series after this one against Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. [And] we get closer to finalising our likely World Cup squad,” he added.

Rassie van der Dussen and Gihahn Cloete might go onto make their national debuts in the upcoming series.

South Africa wants to groom the newcomers in the T20 level first

“Part of our selection strategy has been to blood newcomers first at T20 level. We have done this in the past with the likes of Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Reeza Hendricks, Jonker and Junior Dala. And we are continuing that process with Gihahn Cloete and Rassie van der Dussen. Cloete was another to have a strike rate in excess of 90 for SA A in India. While Van der Dussen has had an impressive run of form in recent T20 Franchise tournaments around the world,” he asserted.

 

“Another part of our strategy going forward is to identify exciting, young talent such as Matthew Breetzke. To assimilate them into the Protea culture at a young age. We have done this successfully in the past with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Ngidi and Mulder, among others. And this is a continuation of that process,” he added on.

Faf du Plessis might not feature in the ODI series if he fails to recover from the injury 

“Our national captain, Faf du Plessis, will be personally taking Breetzke under his wing,” concluded Mr Zondi.

Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has been monitoring the fitness of Faf du Plessis. If he fails to recover in time, the selectors are could announce a stand-in-captain.

“Faf continues to make a recovery from the shoulder injury. He suffered [it] in Sri Lanka,” said South Africa’s team doctor, Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

 

“It is a week by week case, and a call will be made in due course,” he added.

The three-match ODI series between the two African nations will start on September 30 in Kimberley. Followed by three T20I’s which is slated to start from October 9 in East London.

ODI squad, South Africa vs Zimbabwe : Faf du Plessis (C), Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Khaya Zondo

T20I squad: Faf du Plessis (C), Gihahn Cloete, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Robbie Frylinck, Imran Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Lungisani Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen