Published: Mar 11, 2019, 03:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 11, 2019, 03:32 PM (IST)
Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram and JP Duminy returned to South Africa’s ODI squad for the last two ODIs of the five-match series against Sri Lanka. The trio was not picked in the South African squad for the first three ODIs of the series.
Reeza Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder were left out of the 15-man squad for the fourth and fifth ODI against the Lankan side. The two did not enjoy a good run of form when given a chance and hence, were dropped from the squad.
The Faf du Plessis-led side has already won the ODI series with two games to spare after beating Sri Lanka by 71 runs via Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method in a rain-hit encounter in Durban on Sunday.
Markram is making a comeback to the side on the back of impressive performances, including the knocks of 85, 139 and 169, for The Titans in the domestic 50-overs competition.
“Experience is always a key factor in major tournaments such as the ICC Men’s World Cup,” said Cricket South Africa National Selection Panel Convener (CSA NSP) Linda Zondi after announcing the squad for the final two ODIs of the Sri Lanka series. (ALSO READ: Imran Tahir to retire from ODIs after World Cup 2019)
“It is great to see how well JP has regained his best form after being out of action for so long.
“What has also been highly encouraging is see how well the Proteas have played when they have returned to franchise cricket. It is important that they should dominate at this level and that their skills should rub off on our emerging talent,” added Zondi.
“JP, Aiden and Dwaine Pretorius have all made significant contributions to their franchises in recent matches. (ALSO READ: Aiden Markram by no means out of South Africa’s plans: Faf du Plessis)
“We will use the final two matches in the ODI series to continue to examine all the options that are available to us as far as the World Cup squad is concerned,” concluded Mr. Zondi.
South Africa squad for fourth and fifth ODI:
Faf du Plessis (Captain), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen
