Six uncapped players named in Proteas ODI squad for tri-nations opener

The Proteas will rely on a second-string squad for their first match of a tri-nations series against Pakistan and New Zealand next week, with multiple first-choice players still tied up with SA20 commitments.

While the series will be the last opportunity for the national ODI squad to prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament, they will only be near full strength later next week.

For their opening match of the series, to be played against New Zealand in Lahore on Monday, head coach Rob Walter has included six uncapped players in the 12-man squad.

Batters Matthew Breetzke and Meeka-eel Prince, bowlers Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch and Senuran Muthusamy, and all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana will all be eager to make their ODI debuts.

“For me, each and every guy who has been selected brings some form of x-factor to the team,” Walter said.

“A lot of them were part of the (recent) SA A series against Sri Lanka and the guys have performed well domestically.”

Gerald Coetzee returns

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has made a full recovery from a left hamstring strain and will strengthen the Proteas attack, Walter confirmed, while the side will be led by experienced skipper Temba Bavuma.

Though he still needed to prove his match fitness before being drafted into the Champions Trophy squad, Walter said the signs were good that Coetzee would be ready.

“Gerald has worked incredibly hard just to progress to where he is right now,” Walter said.

“We obviously continue to take it day by day, but the signs are really good and he’s looking really good, so we’re just hoping for that to continue for the next week or so.”

The squad for the remainder of the tri-nations series will be announced on Sunday, following the SA20 final on Saturday.

Proteas squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peter, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne

Tri-nations fixtures (SA times)

Saturday, 8 February (11am)
Pakistan vs New Zealand – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Monday, 10 February (6.30am)
New Zealand vs South Africa – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Wednesday, 12 February (11am)
Pakistan vs South Africa – The National Stadium, Karachi

Friday, 14 February (11am)
Final:  TBC v TBC – The National Stadium, Karachi