Proteas squad named for Cricket World Cup in India: Parnell out, Coetzee in

The 15-man Proteas squad for the 50 overs Cricket World Cup, starting in India, early next month, was named in Bloemfontein on Tuesday morning.

There were no real surprises in the side, which will be led by Temba Bavuma.

Young fast bowler Gerald Coetzee pipped spinner Bjorn Fortuin to one of the bowling spots, while Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will be the team’s two slow bowlers. Aiden Markram also bowls spin.

There was also place for Sisanda Magala and Lungi Ngidi.

Rookies Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira failed to make the cut. Also out of the mix is all-rounder Wayne Parnell, who has a long-term injury.

Former captain Quinton de Kock has announced he will retire from ODI cricket after the tournament and focus only on T20 cricket.

‘Make SA proud’

“It is always tough choosing a World Cup squad and I’ve said it a couple of times, the stronger the depth of your team, the better the players are that you’re leaving out,” said coach Rob Walter.

“It’s great having a mix of experienced players and players who will be competing in their first 50-over World Cup … you get that sort of exuberance of excitement to be doing something for the first time.

“Similar to the level of experience, we have endeavoured to curate a well-balanced group of players and skill, that will allow us to effectively adapt to the conditions in India.

“Under the leadership of Temba and the senior group, I have the utmost faith this squad will make South Africa proud.”

Meanwhile, Brevis, Parnell and Stubbs have been released from the ODI squad against Australia for the five-match series that starts on Thursday.

World Cup ODI squad:

Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.