South Africa announce squads for white-ball series against Afghanistan, Ireland
What's the story
South Africa have announced their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan and Ireland. The Proteas have decided to rest several key players during this tour, as part of their preparation strategy for the ICC Champions Trophy. The likes of Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen feature feature in either ODI or T20I squads. Quite a few fresh faces have entered the Proteas roster.
Squad changes
New faces in South Africa's white-ball squads
The South African team management has introduced new players to the squad for these series. All-rounder Jason Smith, played his first-ever T20I against the West Indies last month, has received his maiden ODI call-up. Leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter is also set to make his ODI debut after recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the Caribbean tour. Additionally, 21-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder Andile Simelane has found the cut in the ODI and T20I squads against Afghanistan.
Statement
Deliberate move from management: Rob Walter
"We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months," South Africa's white-ball coach Rob Walter said in a statement. "This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027."
Squads
SA's T20I and ODI squads for Ireland series
T20I squad against Ireland: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams. ODI squad against Ireland: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
Information
SA's ODI squad for Afghanistan series
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqabayomzi Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.