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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced squads for the white-ball series against Afghanistan and Ireland, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Proteas will face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series beginning from September 18, while the series against Ireland includes two T20Is and three ODIs.
Much like the recently concluded series against the West Indies, several senior players, particularly pacers, have been rested for the white-ball series in the Middle East. The likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi are not part of any of the three squads named. Other prominent short-format players like David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Heinrich Klaasen also do not feature.
Jason Smith and Nqaba Peter, who featured against the West Indies earlier this year, have received their maiden ODI call-up. Whereas, 21-year-old all-rounder Andile Simelane has been called up to the national side for the very first time.
Pacer Lungi Ngidi, who last featured for the Proteas in the red-ball series against the West Indies in August, will lead the inexperienced pace-bowling attack after being named in all three squads.
South Africa ODI squad against Afghanistan
Temba Bavuma, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa T20I squad against Ireland
Aiden Markram, Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa ODI squad against Ireland
Temba Bavuma, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
"This has been a deliberate move from management" - South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter on new names being integrated
According to a statement by Cricket South Africa (CSA), the squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan will depart for the UAE on Saturday, September 14.
“We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months. This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027," Rob Walter said in a statement released by the CSA.
“There is no doubt that tours such as these offers us this unique opportunity to provide players with international exposure in differing conditions compared to what they are used to. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how some of the more experienced players step up, whilst keeping a close eye on who can grab this opportunity and become more regular within the national set-up," he added.
All three ODIs between South Africa and Afghanistan will be hosted by Sharjah. On the other hand, the white-ball series against Ireland, beginning from September 27 onwards, is slated to take place in Abu Dhabi.
