Aiden Markram, JP Duminy and Hashim Amla are back for the Proteas as they aim to reclaim their spots in the starting XI ahead of the World Cup, writes KHALID MOHIDIN.
Having sealed the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead, the Proteas have selected a freshened up squad for the last two ODIs against Sri Lanka.
Notably, the selectors have picked Aiden Markram, JP Duminy and Hashim Amla to add to what was a 13-man squad for the first three matches. All three have a point to prove as they aim to show selectors that they deserve to be on their plane to the World Cup in England. The decision to recall Markram came at the expense of Reeza Hendricks, after the opener produced a poor showing in the first three ODIs.
This gives Markram an opportunity to once again show that he can convert those 20s and 30s into milestones by bringing his One-Day Cup form onto the big stage. Markram also offers an extra spin option.
Duminy recovered well after his elbow surgery and backed up his return to competitive action with classy performances for the Cape Cobras in the One-Day Cup, scoring 62 and 74 not out in winning causes for his side. The second knock, in particular, showed his ability to take a side over the line despite a top-order collapse. His selection in the Proteas XI offers Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis a possible five overs of left-arm spin that can be used to take the pressure off his bowlers.
Sri Lanka will be playing for pride and looking to find much-needed momentum before their two-match ODI tour against Scotland in Edinburgh in May, which will be their last competitive 50-over action before they start their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on 6 June. Sri Lanka meet South Africa on 19 June in the World Cup in their third-last match of the tournament, and which will be the Proteas’ second last.
Kusal Perera injured his hamstring and will miss the remaining of the series.
Players to Watch
Markram will be desperate to show his capabilities on the international stage. If his One-Day Cup form is anything to go by, then Sri Lanka needs to be cautious when bowling to him.
With Kusal Perera out injured due to a hamstring problem, Upul Tharanga has a chance to respond, if selected, towards being dropped from the starting lineup after the first ODI.
Proteas XI (Probable)
1) Quinton de Kock
2) Hashim Amla
3) Aiden Markram
4) Faf du Plessis (c)
5) Rassie van der Dussen
6) JP Duminy
7) Dwaine Pretorius
8) Andile Phehlukwayo
9) Dale Steyn
10) Anrich Nortje
11) Tabraiz Shamsi
Sri Lanka XI
1) Niroshan Dickwella (wk)
2) Upul Tharanga
3) Avishka Fernando
4) Oshada Fernando
5) Kusal Mendis
6) Kamindu Mendis
7) Thisara Perera
8) Akila Dananjaya
9) Lasith Malinga (c)
10) Isuru Udana
11) Kasun Rajitha
Photo: Getty Images
