South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2019: Lungi Ngidi returns as Proteas name ODI squad
South Africa have named their squad for the first three ODIs against Sri Lanka. Promising pacer Lungi Ngidi has returned to the team after recovering from the knee injury which had kept him out of international action for the last three months. Anrich Nortje has earned his maiden call-up in the national side.
Veteran batsman Hashim Amla has been left out of the squad but according to a CSA statement, the opener has only been rested. The board has maintained that he remains a senior member of the side.
Wicket-keeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen and seamer Dane Paterson, who were a part of South Africa's squad for their recently concluded ODI series against Pakistan, were left out. The Proteas will look to make certain changes into their XI and experiment as they prepare for the World Cup.
"It is great to have Lungi back in the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines caused by the injury he suffered in the white-ball series in Australia last year," selection convener Linda Zondi told reporters while announcing the squad.
Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius form the all-rounders contingent. On the other hand, Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi make up the spin department's slots. Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock and David Miller are still the core to the side as they look to put behind the humiliating Test series behind.
Sri Lanka clinched the Test series 2-0 after a clinical show against a strong South African side. The five-match ODI series kick-starts on March 3 in Johannesburg.
South Africa squad for first 3 ODIs: Faf du Plessis (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn and Rassie van der Dussen