Cricket: South African name full-strength squad

South Africa's batsman Faf du Plessis (left) in action during the match between South Africa and Zimbabwe in the one day international tri-series which includes hosts Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club, on September 4, 2014. PHOTO | JEKESAI NJIKIZANA |

By  AFP

What you need to know:

  • South Africa will play three one-day internationals in New Zealand and five in Australia.
  • J-P Duminy will captain South Africa for the first time in the absence of Du Plessis

JOHANNESBURG

South Africa have named a full-strength squad for what will effectively be World Cup rehearsal tours of New Zealand and Australia, starting next month.

South Africa will play three one-day internationals in New Zealand and five in Australia. The two countries are co-hosts of the Cricket World Cup in February and March next year. During the forthcoming tour, South Africa will play at four of the venues they will be using during the World Cup.

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Fast bowler Vernon Philander is the only change from the side that recently won a triangular one-day tournament against Zimbabwe and Australia in Zimbabwe. Philander, who missed the Zimbabwe trip because of injury, replaces Mthokozisi Shezi.

Several key players will be rested for a three-match Twenty20 series against Australia between the one-day series in New Zealand and Australia, including regular T20 captain Faf du Plessis.

DUMINY NAMED SKIPPER

J-P Duminy will captain South Africa for the first time in the absence of Du Plessis as well as Test and one-day captains, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers. The T20 squad includes two newcomers to international cricket, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and batsman Reeza Hendricks.

One-day squad: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Quinton de Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn.

Twenty 20 squad: JP Duminy (captain), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Marchant de Lange, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese.

The one-day matches in New Zealand will be on October 21, 24 and 27. The T20 internationals in Australia are on November 2, 5 and 7 and the one-day internationals in Australia will be played from November 14 to 23.

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