Australia include 3 rookie pacers for South Africa ODI series

Steven Smith left the Sri Lanka tour midway after playing in the first two ODIs © Getty Images

Australia have announced their One-Day International (ODI) squad which will take part in the bilateral series against South Africa starting late in September, 2016. A 15-man squad has been named which does not include the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc as the duo have been rested. The new names in the squad are pacers Joe Mennie, Chris Tremain and Daniel Worrall. Victoria’s Tremain and South Australia’s Mennie and Worrall have been rewarded for their good showing for Australia A and will be assisted by Josh Hastings and Scott Boland.  The core of the team remains the same which won the ODI series against Sri Lanka by 4-1. Steven Smith will lead the side and will be fresh as he went home in the middle of the ODI series in Sri Lanka. ALSO READ: AUS maintain top-spot in ICC ODI Rankings, ENG rise to 5th spot

The tour consists of five ODIs before the home team will have a lengthy tour of Australia later in the year. After gaining some momentum in the longer format by beating New Zealand at home, South Africa will like to better their game when they take on No. 1 ranked ODI team. Both teams also played a short Twenty20 (T20) series in the African nation before the ICC World Twenty20 (T20) started in March 2016. The series was won by Australia and South Africa will be wary of their potential, even though they are playing away from home. ALSO READ: AUS' Hastings geared up for ODI challenge in SA

In the ICC ODI rankings, Australia have maintained the number one spot after easily beating Sri Lanka in the ODI series and will like another good performance to stretch their lead over the second ranked team, New Zealand. On the other hand, South Africa, who are at No. 4 position, will like to move ahead by winning the series comprehensively.

Squad:

Steve Smith (c), David Warner, George Bailey, Scott Boland, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joe Mennie, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade (wk), Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa.

(Inputs from AFP)