Keshav Maharaj has been handed the leadership for the ODI series against Netherlands, where Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock are amongst six regulars rested.
Cricket South Africa have announced the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Netherlands, slated to take place later in November. Limited overs captain Bavuma, de Kock, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have been rested for the series.
Maharaj has been appointed as the skipper of a new-look squad, which also sees the return of Kolpak-returnee Wayne Parnell.
The board has welcomed the former Kolpak players with open arms. The Kolpak system was dissolved due to Brexit, after which many players returned to South Africa, signing contracts with the provincial teams and making themselves eligible for national selection. Parnell’s inclusion is an indication that South Africa are ready to embrace them, with Rilee Rossouw also on the radar.
“The question we’ve been receiving of late is what we will do with the former Kolpak players and we have always said that once they come and perform well domestically we will consider them,”
Mpitsang, South Africa’s convenor of selectors told ESPNcricinfo.
Rossouw’s non-inclusion surprised many as he was the highest run-getter in the domestic T20 tournament with 295 runs at an average of 98 and strike rate of 158. He was one of the three players who registered a century in the competition.
Ryan Rickelton, who averages 48 in List A cricket, is in line for his debut on international stage, while Zubayr Hamza, who has played five Tests for SA, is expected to make his ODI debut. Hamza is likely to bat in the top order, with Janneman Malan and Reeza Hendricks opening while Rickelton in reserve.
Khaya Zondo, Sisanda Magala and Daryn Dupavillion have been recalled to the side. David Miller will have the responsibility of middle order along with Kyle Verreynne and Zondo, who averaged 43 in the domestic T20 competition.
South Africa will have three seam-bowling all-rounders in Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius. The spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde was unfortunate to miss out, with Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi in the squad.
All three games are to be played at SuperSport Park, which is expected to be seam-friendly. With Rabada and Nortje rested, Lungi Ngidi is expected to lead the pace bowling attack. Ngidi did not get a game in the T20 World Cup. Lizaad Williams, Sisanda Magala and Daryn Dupavillion are the other pace options.
Three ODIs, slated on November 26, 28 and December 1, are part of the ODI Super League. Netherlands are at the bottom of the table with 20 points while South Africa are placed ninth and could jump to second spot with a clean sweep.
