South Africa stand strong
For the upcoming three match T20I series against Australia, Cricket South Africa announced the squad that includes Kagiso Rabada(Right arm fast) and former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis. Anrich Nortje also returns to the squad with Reeza Hendricks, Beuran Hendricks and Sisanda Magala, who were part of the squad for the T20Is against England, making way.
Bavuma ruled out
Temba Bavuma(Right handed batsman) who opens the game and did well in the last T20I series has been ruled out of first T20I against Australia. He sustained a right hamstring injury while fielding in the 3rd T20I against England. Bavuma has been recommended 7 to 10 days of rest, and will travel with the team under the observation of South Africa’s medical staff. No replacement has been named for Bavuma.
#BreakingNews @faf1307, @KagisoRabada25 & @AnrichNortje02 have been added to the Proteas’ 16-man squad that will take on Australia in the three-match KFC T20 International series from 21-26 February in JHB, PE & Cape Town respectively. #Thread pic.twitter.com/srIJspU2eO
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 17, 2020
Du Plessis step’s down as a captain
Faf du Plessis had ended his term as South African captain and explains that “he need to take a step back from captaincy in order to help facilitate the emergence of the next generation of leaders”. Du Plessis led South Africa in 112 internationals and had 69 wins under his leadership.
“The last few weeks of rest away from the game have given me a lot of perspective on the great privilege and honour I have had in representing and leading my country in the three formats of this wonderful game. It has been a rewarding, sometimes tough and other times a lonely road, but I would not replace the experience for anything, because it has made me the man that I am proud to be today,” he said about his decision.
“When I took over the leadership, I did so with the commitment to lead, perform and most importantly, to serve. As the team heads into a new direction with new leaders and a young crop of players, I feel it will be in the best interests of South African cricket to relinquish the captaincy in all formats. This was one of the toughest decisions to make, but I remain fully committed to supporting Quinton, Mark and my teammates as we continue to rebuild and re-align as a group.”
“South African cricket has entered a new era. New leadership, new faces, new challenges and new strategies. I remain committed to play in all three formats of the game for now as a player and will offer my knowledge and time to the new leaders of the team.” Du Plessis pic.twitter.com/UAZd6OqLmn
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 17, 2020
De Kock as captain
Under De Kock captain ship South Africa lost the last T20I series against England in a close fought encounters. Independent Selector Linda Zondi said “The T20 series may not have been won but it was really pleasing to see our batting unit play so well”.
South Africa T20I Squad
Quinton de Kock (c/wk), Temba Bavuma (subject to fitness) Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Pite van Biljon, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jon-Jon Smuts, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Dale Steyn, Heinrich Klaasen.
