Markram recalled, Kusal Perera ruled out
Aiden Markram was handed a likely lifeline to the Cricket World Cup yesterday when he was named in South Africa’s squad for the final two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, who were dealt a blow with Kusal Janith Perera ruled out by injury.
Perera will miss the last two fixtures in the five-match ODI series, with Sri Lanka not naming a replacement.
Markram, a fixture as an opening batsman in South Africa’s Test Team, has not played in a one-day international since November 2018.
A modest one-day international record has counted against Markram but successive innings of 169, 139 and 85 for the Titans domestic franchise this month earned him a recall for South Africa’s last two one-day matches before the World Cup, starting in May.
Also back is the experienced J. P. Duminy, who returned to domestic action with two half centuries this month after being out of action since October following shoulder surgery.
Duminy adds balance to the squad as a lefthanded batsman and capable off-spin bowler.
Another experienced returning player is batsman Hashim Amla.
A squad of 15 players was named - the same number as will go to the World Cup.
Batsman Reeza Hendricks and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder were dropped.
South Africa lead the fivematch series against Sri Lanka 3-0.