Dean Elgar has been added to the Proteas’ ODI squad to take on Zimbabwe in place of the injured Hashim Amla.

The Proteas’ opening Test batsman, who has six ODIs to his name, was announced as Amla’s replacement on Tuesday due to a finger injury he picked up during the Caribbean Premier League.

Elgar made his ODI debut in England in 2012 and played in all five ODIs in the drawn series. His only other ODI came in the fifth ODI in India in 2015, a match the Proteas won by 214 runs.

He batted at No 3, No 4, No 6 and No 7 for the Proteas in that time and, if he starts, it would be interesting to see where he slots in.

‘Hashim sustained a tear to the tendon in his left fifth digit while fielding during the recently concluded CPL. The injury will need up to three weeks to heal making him unavailable for the series against Zimbabwe,’ said Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

‘The CSA medical committee has also withdrawn Faf [du Plessis] from the ODI series. He has not made a satisfactory recovery from his shoulder injury and has been given more time to make a complete recovery. We are hopeful he will be fit enough to return to lead the T20 side for the three-match series against Zimbabwe.’

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CSA national selection panel (NSP) convener, Linda Zondi, says Elgar’s recent form and experience will add value at the top of the order.

‘We have said that the Zimbabwe series is an opportunity to further explore our ODI options and the unfortunate injury to Hashim gives us an opportunity to see what Dean is capable of in the limited-overs format.

‘He has always been on our radar having put in consistent performances both in South Africa and the UK, and brings a wealth of valuable experience to the batting group in Hashim and Faf’s absence.’

JP Duminy will lead the side in Faf du Plessis’ absence.

Keshav Maharaj has been released from the ODI squad and will play for the Dolphins in their first-round four-day competition fixture against the Titans starting at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.

The Proteas take on Zimbabwe on Sunday at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley in the first of three ODIs.

Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images