CSA rests Tahir for Sri Lanka ODI series as a 'WC 2019 preparatory plan'

The series is comprised of 5 ODIs and one-off T20I which starts on July 29 and concludes on August 12

South Africa spinner Imran Tahir has been rested from the forthcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. Cricket South Africa took this decision as a part of team’s preparation for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Tahir hasn’t featured in the national team since February. However, he has been performing in the T20 leagues including PSL and IPL and is scheduled to play in the upcoming season of CPL.

Despite being active in the shortest format of the game, his omission seems to be surprising.

On the other hand, South Africa’s convener of selectors, Linda Zondi has stated that resting Tahir has more to do with other available spinners. At the same time, he also confirmed that Tahir still set to be premier player in that department.

"We have taken the strategic decision to rest Imran Tahir so that we can get a clearer picture as to who our best second spinner is to back him up at the World Cup. Imran will be our first- choice spinner at the World Cup but, if we play him against Sri Lanka, it is unlikely that we will be able to play both Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj," Zondi said.

In Tahir’s absence and as stated by Zondi, Maharaj and Shamsi have been inducted into the squad against Sri Lanka.

Faf du Plessis, who missed four out of five games against India due to finger injury, will lead the pack. This series will mark the first limited-over rubber since AB de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket.

Uncapped Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram and wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen are the three players who could be considered in the middle order to fulfil AB’s place.

Pacer Junior Dala comes in as an option in place of retired Morne Morkel. Chris Morris gets ruled out due to back injury and has been replaced by Wiaan Mulder.

The series starts on July 29 and concludes on August 12.

Squad

Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi