In recent developments, speedster Dale Steyn returned to South Africa’s T20 International squad for the three-match series against England, starting February 12 at Buffalo Park, East London. Steyn had injured his shoulder, but now has fully recovered from the injury as the 36-year-old recently featured in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars.
Steyn has 61 scalps in 44 T20Is, including two four-wicket hauls. He will be leading the pace bowling attack with Lungi Ngidi, while Tabraiz Shamsi will be heading the spin department in T20Is.
Quinton de Kock, who was given the responsibility to lead the team in the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series, has been named as the skipper for the T20I series as well.
Just like the ODIs, South Africa has rested paceman Kagiso Rabada and former skipper Faf du Plessis for the T20I series.
Apart from De Kock, the likes of Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller are also included in the squad.
After an impressive run in domestic circuit, batsman Pite van Biljon and pacer Sisanda Magala have received their maiden international call-ups.
“We are pleased with the group that we have selected for this upcoming T20 series against England. We have once again taken the opportunity to reward some of the hard workers of our domestic franchise system. At the same time, some of our key senior players continue with their much-needed rest period, and we have again, put our faith in Quinton (de Kock) to lead this group of exciting cricketers, picking up where he left off in India where he showed exemplary leadership,” CSA Acting Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith stated.
“England have of course, announced a competitive team, and we are comfortable that we have the squad that can take them on and return positive results. With a T20 World Cup not too far away, we have begun the process of identifying several players whom we will be looking at over a period of time and hope that by the time September comes along, we will have the best possible squad of 15 representing South Africa,” added Smith, according to Cricbuzz.
Selector Linda Zondi said, “we are thrilled to include Sisanda Magala and Pite van Biljon to the T20 squad as we go about our search for that T20 World Cup 15. Both have been outstanding for their respective franchise teams in the past, and we are keen to see how they do against an imposing English side.”
Here’s the Proteas squad:
Quinton de Kock (c, wk), Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Pite van Biljon, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jon-Jon Smuts, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, Dale Steyn, Heinrich Klaasen.
