Even before the start of the game against India in the eventual quarter-final in Champions Trophy 2017, questions were raised whether AB de Villiers would be retained as the captain of the side or not but today, he was given an additional responsibility of the same post as the ODI skipper is all set to lead the team in three T20I series against England, starting on June 21. Faf du Plessis, the regular skipper will miss the T20I series due to the birth of his first child.
Apart from Plessis, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kick, JP Duminy and Kagiso Rabada are the other regulars who will skip the series as all these have been rested to shrug off the fatigue and get ready for the Test series against England which kicks off from July 6. Plessis will also join the side ahead of the Test series whereas De Villiers will return back home as he has already withdrawn from this strenuous Test series.
Morne Morkel has made a comeback to the T20I side. His last appearance in the shortest format of the game came two years back in the month of August against New Zealand. Among the comeback man, Reeza Hendricks, Jon-Jo Smuts and Mangaliso are the ones who have made a comeback, after missing out a place in the side for the series against New Zealand played a few months back.
“We have also been impressed as a panel by the quality of players coming through our franchise and South Africa ‘A’ system and we are ready to give further opportunities to Andile Phehlukwayo, Mangaliso Mosehle, Jon-Jon Smuts and Dane Paterson who all made their debuts in the recent series against Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, Lungi Ngidi could not be considered because of injury,” Linda Zondi, the CSA National Selection Panel convener, said.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the newcomers to play alongside world-class and experienced players like AB, Farhaan, David Miller, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris and Wayne Parnell,” he added.
Meanwhile, England Cricket Board has too announced their squad for the series. They have name a total of five uncapped players in the Eoin Morgan-led side.
The T20I series kicks off from June 21 with the last game coming on June 25 at Cardiff. A four-Test match series will follow which will kick off on July 6.
South Africa squad for T20I series against England: AB de Villiers(c), Farhaan Behardien, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Mangaliso Mosehle, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts.