On Saturday (8th February), the Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming home series against England. While Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada are still in the rest period, Dale Steyn has returned to the national team.
After the ongoing three-match ODI series against the visitors England, the hosts South Africa will play the three-match T20I series against the same team from 12th to 16th February 2020. This T20I series will be the first T20I assignment in 2020 for both teams. As it is the year of ICC T20 World Cup, which is around eight months away to begin (men’s tournament), the T20I format is very crucial for every team.
South Africa last played the T20Is during the India tour last September. Quinton de Kock-led South African team drew that three-match T20I series with the 1-1 margin.
Once again Quinton de Kock will lead the T20I side in the new year as Faf du Plessis’ rest period has been extended along with the right-arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.
Dale Steyn last time played for South Africa in March 2019
However, the big news is that Dale Steyn has finally returned to the side. The 36-year-old right-arm fast bowler last played an international match in March 2019 during the home limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. In the Mzansi Super League 2019, Dale Steyn finished as the third most wicket-taker. He took 15 wickets in eight matches.
On the other hand, Sisanda Magala and Pite van Biljon have earned their maiden T20I call-ups for the upcoming home series against England. Both haven’t made their international debut yet.
In 15 T20Is against England, South Africa won eight games and suffered six defeats.
South African T20I squad for the forthcoming home series against England: Quinton de Kock (c/wk), Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Pite van Biljon, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jon-Jon Smuts, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, Dale Steyn, Heinrich Klaasen.
Full T20I schedule during England tour of South Africa 2019/20
(Three-match T20I series)
12th February 2020: First T20I – Buffalo Park (East London)
14th February 2020: Second T20I – Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban)
16th February 2020: Third T20I – SuperSport Park (Centurion)