The uncapped left-handed batsman Dean Elgar is selected in 14-man squad for first two ODI matches against Sri Lanka. Seamer Rory Kleinveldt also succeeded to make his place in the squad. This will be the first chance for AB de Villiers to serve as a captain after injury meant he missed the matches against Australia.
Elgar, the opening batsman of Knights is the only rookie in the squad, while Kleinveld has represented South Africa in two Twenty20 internationals, he played last T20. Three changes are made in the squad. de Villiers will take over the wicketkeeping duties from Mark Boucher alongside his captaincy duties, while Elgar replaces David Miller. The third change came in shape of Kleinveldt selection who attract the selectors to replace him with the leg spinner Imran Tahir.
Andrew Hudson, the Cricket South Africa's selection convener, said; "We have chosen a squad of 14 for the first two games only. Those members of the squad who are not involved in the final Test match in Newlands next week will be released to play for their franchises before the squad assembles on January 9".
Andrew Hudson said that he had many options for the squad from domestic cricket but preferred the best performer. Elgar deserve to be selected as he had was the leading run-scorer in the One-Day Cup.
"There have been a number of batsmen showing good form in domestic cricket, and Elgar fully deserves his opportunity," he added. "He was the leading run-scorer in the One-Day Cup (567 runs) and also had the best average (81). In addition he gives us very useful bowling options as a left-arm spinner."
Hudson said; "Kleinveldt played an important role with the ball in helping the Cobras to win the One-Day Cup and he also has a lot of potential as a lower-order power hitter." Kleinveldt was the second-highest wicket-taker for the Cobras, taking 13 wickets in nine matches" he added. "We feel we won't need three frontline spinners in South African conditions, so it makes sense to change the bowling balance of the squad slightly."
SOUTH AFRICA ODI SQUAD:
AB de Villiers (capt & wk), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, JP Duminy , Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Jacques Kallis, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
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