Du Plessis rested, De Villiers to lead Proteas in T20 series in England

CRICKET SA has named the Proteas squad for the three-match T20 International Series in England to be played immediately after the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy Tournament in June.

AB de Villiers will captain the side in the absence of regular T20 captain Faf du Plessis, who is being rested.

De Villiers, who was criticised for his captaincy as he led the one-day international side to a first-round exit in the ongoing Champions Trophy, has ruled himself out of the Test matches.

Seamer Dwaine Pretorius, who is also a powerful hitter with the bat, was included in the Twenty20 squad for the first time, though he has played 10 ODIs since, making his debut last year.

“I would like to thank Farhaan Behardien for leading the side so ably in the recent series against Sri Lanka,” said CSA National Selection Panel convener, Linda Zondi.

“We are indeed fortunate in the quality of our team leaders and Farhaan remains very much part of this group.

“We have also been impressed as a panel by the quality of players coming through our franchise and South Africa ‘A’ system, and we are ready to give further opportunities to Andile Phehlukwayo, Mangaliso Mosehle, JonJon Smuts and Dane Paterson, who all made their debuts in the recent series against Sri Lanka.

“Unfortunately, Lungi Ngidi could not be considered because of injury.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the newcomers to play alongside world-class and experienced players like AB, Farhaan, David Miller, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris and Wayne Parnell.”