JP Duminy is set to lead the South African side in Faf du Plessis’s absence, with Heinrich Klaasen rewarded for his match-winning innings against India in the fourth ODI at the Wanderers on Saturday.
JP Duminy has been appointed captain of the Proteas T20 squad that welcomes exciting new talent including Heinrich Klaasen, Junior Dala, and Cristiaan Jonker for the upcoming three-match series against India later this month.
Junior Dala, a fast bowler from the Titans, and Warriors batsman Jonker have impressed with their strong performances during the domestic Ram Slam T20 competition, earning their call-ups.
Veteran players Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, alongside seamers Morne Morkel and Lungi Ngidi have been rested in preparation for the important Test series against Australia starting 1 March.
South Africa selection convenor Linda Zondi explained, “With the Test Series against Australia kicking off just five days after the T20 series ends, we need to rest some key players who have been in action throughout the international summer.
“This includes star batsmen Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram as well as many frontline fast bowlers. AB de Villiers, having missed much cricket this summer, is available to play in the T20 series.”
“Christiaan Jonker is one of the most explosive finishers in domestic T20 cricket. Along with Junior Dala, their inclusion gives promising franchise performers the chance to prove themselves at the highest level.”
“Heinrich Klaasen’s recent form truly speaks for itself.”
Spinner Imran Tahir was rested, with Tabraiz Shamsi and Aaron Phangiso selected as the slow-bowling options. However, Zondi reaffirmed Tahir’s status as the first-choice spinner across all white-ball formats.
“We’ve decided to give Imran Tahir a well-earned break,” she said. “He remains our lead spinner, but we want to provide more opportunities to Tabraiz Shamsi and Aaron Phangiso as we build towards the 2020 ICC World Twenty20, which is just around the corner.”
Here’s the Proteas T20 squad for the series: JP Duminy (capt), Farhaan Behardien, Junior Dala, AB de Villiers, Reeza Hendricks, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Chris Morris, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts.
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