SA vs ENG: Rassie van der Dussen, Sisanda Magala return as South Africa announce ODI squad

Cricket South Africa announced a 16-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England which is set to begin on January 27. The team will be led by regular skipper Temba Bavuma, and along with Marco Jansen, all-rounder Sisanda Magala returns to the national team in the hopes of adding to his three 50-over appearances.

Shukri Conrad, who was recently named the red-ball coach, will be in charge of the series as Rob Walter, the recently hired white-ball team coach, begins his contract on February 1 after spending the previous seven years working in New Zealand. It will be an important series for the Proteas as they look to earn points toward qualifying for the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Both teams aim for a result after ending their previous series in a tie

Last year in July, the sides squared off in a three-game series in England that ended in a tie after the last game in Leeds was suspended because of the weather. While this will be the first ODI outing for South Africa ever since their 2-1 defeat against India last year in October, England faced Australia in November 2022 but lost the series 0-3.

Several South African players are currently a part of their inaugural SA20 league, the six-team tournament which started on January 10. Senior players Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and many others named in the squad will leave their respective franchises to return back on national duty. They will return back to the league after the completion of the England series on February 1, 2023.

“The selection panel is particularly excited by the depth of this squad, with a mix of youth and experience. We are confident that this group of players will take us one step closer to qualifying for the ICC Men’s World Cup in India later this year. We are also pleased with the inclusion of Sisanda and the commitment he has shown to meet the fitness standards required for national selection,” said Convener of Selectors Victor Mpitsang.

“The three-match series against England will kickstart our international home season following months on the road, and we would like to wish Temba and Shukri well in what will no doubt be an exciting series against quality opposition,” he added.

“Shukri will oversee the series in consultation with Rob (Walter), who is currently in New Zealand as he prepares to assume his role ahead of the start of his tenure as limited-overs coach, which comes into effect from 01 February,” said the Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe.

South Africa squad for three ODIs vs England:

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

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