The South African cricket team has announced it's 15 man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy set to take place in June 2017. The return of Morne Morkel after 10 months of ODI action and the inclusion of uncapped spinner Keshav Maharaj were the most surprise inclusions in the squad. Dale Steyn failed to retain his place into the squad as he still recovers from injury while seamer Vernon Philander also missed out.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) convener of selectors said that only those who have been consistent over the last couple of seasons have been picked. “We have been working with this group of players for the last two seasons where our key emphasis has been consistency in selection,” Zondi commented, according to a CSA Press Release. “That has shown in how this group has performed over the last while, which has resulted in winning three consecutive ODI series. We feel we have a squad that covers every scenario that we could possibly be faced with on the tour. Most importantly, every player knows and understands their role and value within the squad.”
“Keshav has had an exceptional debut season for the Test side and his inclusion in the squad gives us a spinner with a different skills and extra batting depth. We have seen how important it is to bat deep in ODI cricket, this option will give us that cover if needed,” Zoondi concluded.
This Protes team will play three ODIs against England from May 24, before they face Sri Lanka in the first match in the Champions Trophy group stage. The team will also play a couple of 50-over warm-up matches against Sussex and Northants when they depart for England on May 16.
South Africa squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2017: AB de Villiers (c),Hashim Amla, Quiton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Farhaan Behardien, Morne Morkel.
