Behardien to lead second string South Africa T20 side against Sri Lanka

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Jarred with the sudden decision of three of their players opting for county cricket over the national side, South Africa announced a depleted 13-man squad bereft of regular captain Faf du Plessis for the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka later this month. 

Middle-order batsman Farhaan Behardien has been named the captain of the squad that includes five uncapped players. 

David Weise had to be excluded from the squad at the last minute after the all-rounder joined teammates Rile Rossouw and Kyle Abbott, taking the county route. Weise signed a three year contract with English county Sussex, which effectively makes him unavailable for selection in the South Africa team for the given period. 

South African selectors have decided to rest their regular players and test their bench strength in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. 

However, there is a possibility of the return of former captain AB de Villiers, who has not turned up for the Proteas since June last year. He might be considered for selection in the third and final T20I if he proves his fitness in a domestic one day match. Fast bowler Morne Morkel will also feature in that same match. 

South African squad: Farhaan Behardien (captain), Theunis de Bruyn, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heino Kuhn, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle (wkt), Lungi Ngidi, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jon-Jon Smuts.