CSA have included Keshav Maharaj and Morne Morkel for the ODI series and Champions Trophy in England.
The Proteas begin their preparations for the Champions Trophy with a three-match ODI series against England in late May, which gives them a chance to finalise their starting XI ahead of their Group B opener in the global event against Sri Lanka on 3 June.
The selectors have, as expected, largely opted for continuity, with only two changes made to the squads from the Sri Lanka and New Zealand series earlier in the year. Young and uncapped paceman Lungi Ngidi, who was ruled out of the New Zealand tour with an abdominal injury, is left out, while Tabraiz Shamsi will also not be boarding the plane to the UK.
Instead, the selectors have opted for Morne Morkel, who will be in line to play his first ODI since the Tri-Nation series in the Caribbean in June 2016, following a successful return to the Test set-up.
Keshav Maharaj is the biggest surprise, having not yet received an ODI cap. His left-arm spin brings some variety to the squad, and he has a decent List A record, having taken 95 wickets from 74 games at an average of 29.10.
‘We feel we have a squad that covers every scenario that we could possibly be faced with on the tour,’ said convener of selectors Linda Zondi.
‘We are very happy with this team and we are confident they have what it takes to win the competition.’
Proteas squad for Champions Trophy:
AB de Villiers (C), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Dwaine Pretorius, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir.
South Africa ODI Tour to UK itinerary:
Fri 19 May 1-day Tour match vs Sussex (D/N) Hove
Sun 21 May 1-day Tour match vs Northants Northampton
Wed 24 May 1st ODI (D/N) Leeds
Sat 27 May 2nd ODI Southampton
Mon 29 May 3rd ODI Lord’s
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
