South Africa name an unchanged squad for the last two Tests; Rilee Rossouw returns to ODI squad
South Africa have kept their squad unchanged for the last two Tests of the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy 2015-16, after a run-fest at Cape Town during the second Test ended in a draw. AB de Villiers would lead the team in the Tests as well as the ODIs that follow, after Hashim Amla stepped down as the Proteas captain at the culmination of the last Test, where he scored a magnificent 201.
For the ODI squad, Aaron Phangiso makes way for Rilee Rossouw who has recovered from an injury that had kept him out of the tour to India. While Rossouw’s addition strengthens their batting line-up Imran Tahir would return to the limited-overs set-up after being dropped from the Test squad despite picking up a five-wicket haul in India.
An enthused Cricket South Africa selection convener, Linda Zondi said, “We were highly encouraged by the performance put up by the Proteas at Newlands. The very fact that they were nearly able to force a win after conceding 600 runs on the first innings speaks volumes for the character of this group of players.”
South Africa had created drama at the Newlands on the final day of Test when picked up six England wickets in the second innings before Tea, thereby opening up the match for a definite result.
However, that was not to happen, as some bad light mixed with rain and some strong resistance from the England lower-order meant that the visitors managed to salvage a draw.
“We feel we have all our bases covered and also the options that will enable the team to exploit whatever conditions they encounter at the Wanderers Stadium and at SuperSport Park,” she added further.
England currently lead the 4-match Test series 1-0 with their 241-run win at Durban in the Boxing Day Test last year. South Africa would feel rejuvenated going to Johannesburg, especially after their key batsmen- Amla, De Villiers and Faf du Plessis- returning to form in the previous game, and the added century from Temba Bavuma serving as an icing on the cake.
They would also be reinforced with the return of Dale Steyn, who missed the last Test due to a shoulder injury.
Test squad: AB de Villiers (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl, Hardus Viljoen
ODI squad: AB de Villiers (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn