Dubai: Hashim Amla has been included in while Chris Morris left out as Proteas announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 on Thursday.
Amla's inclusion was the only big question in a South African team that was otherwise more or less settled for the marquee event in England and Wales.Amla has been an accomplished veteran for South Africa in one-day international cricket, with close to 8000 runs at an average of just under 50.
Amla's inclusion meant there was no room for the promising Reeza Hendricks. The 29-year-old had established himself as a potential replacement after making a cracking start to his one-day international career, with a century on debut. However, he then suffered a dip in form, and currently averages just over 26 after 18 ODIs.
However, Morris's exclusion as an all-rounder is a surprise given his form in the Indian Premier League and his death-bowling ability, but the selectors have instead opted for Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo, with only one of those ever likely to play at any given time.Faf du Plessis will captain the side, with experienced batsman JP Duminy and fast bowler Dale Steyn also included.
Du Plessis will also have a lot of pace options to choose from, with all of Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius having been included.
The spin department will be headed by 40-year-old wrist-spinner Imran Tahir. South Africa can also fall back on Tabraiz Shamsi if they need a back-up or an ally to Tahir, while Duminy is an experienced part-timer with his off-spin.
South Africa have opted not to select a specialist wicketkeeper as back-up to Quinton de Kock, but instead will rely on part-timer David Miller, who wore the gloves for some of the recent 5-0 series sweep of Sri Lanka.South Africa kick off the 2019 World Cup against the tournament hosts England at The Oval in London on 30 May.
South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, JP Duminy, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi (UNI)
