Cricket South Africa have named three newcomers in the squad for the three-match T20 International series in India.
Highveld Lions duo of batsman Temba Bavuma and spin bowling all-rounder Bjorn Fortuin as well as Anrich Nortje.
Quinton de Kock will captain the T20 squad with Rassie van der Dussen as vice-captain.
Aiden Markram, Theunis de Bruyn and Lungi Ngidi were not considered for T20 selection as they will be continuing their preparation for the Test series by playing in South Africa A’s four-day matches against India A.
“The T20 Series gives us the last chance to have a look at our leadership and batting options as the next edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is now little more than a year away which is why we have gone with an inexperienced leadership group,” said Corrie van Zyl.
“This is our last chance to do this before we settle on an established squad.
“I would like to stress that Faf du Plessis remains an important part of our plans for white-ball cricket.
“As far as the T20 squad is concerned, Temba Bavuma and Bjorn Fortuin were two of the standout players in the CSA T20 Challenge last season while Nortje was outstanding in the Mzansi Super League until ruled out by injury.
“This is very much a form squad with players being rewarded for their consistent performances at the franchise level. This applies equally to Junior Dala and Jon-Jon Smuts,” concluded Van Zyl.
Standard Bank T20I squad: Quinton de Kock (Titans, capt), Rassie van der Dussen (Highveld Lions, vice-capt), Temba Bavuma (Highveld Lions), Junior Dala (Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (Highveld Lions), Beuran Hendricks (Highveld Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Highveld Lions), David Miller (Dolphins), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (Highveld Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi ( Titans), Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors).
NOTES
Chris Morris did not make himself available for selection
Dale Steyn was also left out of the squad despite making himself available.
READ: NORTJE, SECOND, MUTHUSAMY GET TEST CALL-UP
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
