Cricket South Africa convener of selectors Linda Zondi has all but sidelined all-rounder Chris Morris from the Proteas’ World Cup preparation.

Morris was not named in the squad for the ongoing five-ODI series against Sri Lanka – and won’t likely feature in the global showpiece in the United Kingdom later this year.

‘We don’t view Morris as a No 7 batsman. He is a superb T20 cricketer. But in the ODI side right now, it is all about finding the right balance. We could take any player and scrutinise, but we have to make these decisions,’ Zondi told Sport24.

Morris’ fellow all-rounders Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo are gaining popularity. Pretorius and Phehlukwayo have starred for the Lions and Dolphins respectively in the One-Day Cup recently.

‘Dwaine has gone back to franchise level and has put in the performances, so he needs to be given another run,’ added Zondi.

‘Andile is a bowling all-rounder, but we believe he has the potential to be a No 7. He has come good with the bat at franchise level lately. He hasn’t been quite consistent enough, but he has worked hard on his game and looks to have turned a corner.’

The Proteas fourth ODI against the Sri Lankans will be played at St George’s Park on Wednesday. The fifth and final match will be hosted by Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

South Africa’s first World Cup match will be against England at The Oval in London on 30 May.

Photo: Gallo