Six uncapped players named in Proteas ODI squad, Coetzee out

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 out

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, who had seemingly made a recovery from a left hamstring strain and included in the squad, was later Wednesday ruled out of action, after feeling tightness in his groin during a training session in Pretoria.

A replacement for the fast bowler will be named in due course. Temba Bavuma, who wasn’t part of the SA20, will skipper the side.

Coetzee will now also not be considered for the Champions Trophy squad.

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, 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