South Africa name uncapped Zondo in the squad for the first three ODIs

Faf du Plessis will continue to lead the South African team when they change jersey and enter the One-Day International series against India. Following the conclusion of the three-match Test series, both the teams are scheduled to play an extended ODI series comprising of six matches. While the Indians had announced their squad well ahead of the tour, the Proteas named their team for the first three ODIs today.

South Africa have made as many as six changes in the 15-man squad from the team that played against the visiting Bangladesh team in October 2017. Though the Proteas won the series 3-0, the selectors have decided to drop those who underperformed and have called up some of the top domestic performers.

Those who’ve been excluded from the team are Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien, Willem Mulder, Dane Paterson, Dwaine Pretorius and Wayne Parnell. The ones who come in their place are Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi and Khayelihle Zondo.

Bavuma was a part of the Proteas squad for the Test series and was released to take part in the domestic One-day series where he fractured his right finger and has been ruled out. On the other hand, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has also rewarded those who’ve done well in the Test series with an ODI call.

Test performance rewarded

Opener Markram who featured in just a single ODI against Bangladesh and scored 66 won the faith of the selectors and is expected to take the field against India. Ngidi who stole the show in his debut Test match against the Indians claiming six wickets in the second innings, also taking the Player of the Match award received his maiden call-up in the 50-overs squad.

To add spin to their attack, chinaman Tabraiz Shamsi has been recalled in the team as well, having missed the last series. One new name in the squad is that of Zondo who is a domestic veteran. The 27-year-old brings with him an experience of 100 First Class matches, 100 List A games and 83 T20s. His consistency with the Dolphins was noted by the acknowledged with this selection.

South Africa squad for first-three ODIs:

Faf du Plessis (C), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khayelihle Zondo.

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