South Africa 'rest' Amla, recalls Lungi Ngidi for Sri Lanka ODIs

The South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI series begins from March 3. The first match will be played at The Wanderers in Johannesburg

Young South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has been recalled for the first three ODIs of the 5-match series against Sri Lanka, starting from March 3. At the same time, uncapped pacer Anrich Nortje, who sustained an ankle injury in the Mzansi Super League, has earned the maiden national call-up after being declared fit-to-play.

On the other hand, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) has decided to rest Hashim Amla, stating that he wasn't dropped and he “remains a senior member of our squad”. Further, the board has retained wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen and seamer Dane Paterson as they want to explore options before finalising the World Cup squad.

“It is great to have Lungi back in the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines caused by the injury he suffered in the white-ball series in Australia last year,” selection convener Linda Zondi said.

“Anrich has also come back well from injury and we want to see what he can offer the Proteas after his highly impressive form in the Mzansi Super League. Outright pace is not something that you can coach, and he looks another exciting addition to our pace arsenal,” she added.

The Proteas pace department now comprises Wiaan Mulder, Ngidi, Nortje along with all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius. Along are the other allrounders in the side while wrist spinners Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi make up the spin attack.

South Africa ODI squad

Faf du Plessis (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen