CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) on Tuesday named Imran Tahir as the only uncapped player in the Proteas’ Standard Bank ODI squad to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup on the Asian sub-continent from February through to April.
This follows Faf du Plessis’ successful debut in the third MTN ODI against India at Sahara Park Newlands on Tuesday.
The squad also features the return of Jacques Kallis to full fitness following the side strain and bruised rib injury he suffered during the Castle Test series. He is one of four players from the squad that reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup in 2007. The others are Graeme Smith (captain), AB de Villiers and Robbie Peterson.
“The squad consists of 7 specialist batsmen, 3 specialist spin bowlers and 4 specialist seamers with Morne van Wyk providing wicketkeeping cover as well as an extra top order batting option,” commented selection convener Andrew Hudson. “In addition, Kallis provides an additional seam bowling option as do Du Plessis and JP Duminy in the spin bowling department.
“CSA’s Medical Committee are happy with Kallis’ progress and he will be ready to play a full role with both bat and ball from the start of the tournament.
“I am very happy with Faf du Plessis’ debut and form. He gives us a leg spinning option as well and is an outstanding fielder.
“The selection of 3 specialist spin bowlers is essential for the conditions we expect to encounter at the World Cup and it is not a worry that Tahir has not played an ODI yet. The conditions in South Africa have been more suited to seam bowling and his record in domestic cricket both in South Africa and England speaks for itself. We know exactly what he offers us.”
Proteas’ Standard Bank World Cup squad:
Graeme Smith (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras, capt)
Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins)
Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors)
AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans)
JP Duminy (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras)
Faf du Plessis (Nashua Titans)
Colin Ingram (Chevrolet Warriors)
Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors)
Morne Morkel (Nashua Titans)
Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors)
Robbie Peterson (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras)
Dale Steyn (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras)
Imran Tahir (Nashua Dolphins)
Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors)
Morne van Wyk (Chevrolet Knights)