South Africa vs Pakistan: Rassie van der Dussen receives maiden call-up for the first two ODIs

After sealing the three-match Test series with one game still to go, South Africa have announced the 14-man squad for the first two One-Day Internationals against Pakistan. The uncapped Rassie van der Dussen has earned maiden ODI call-up as the selectors are exploring more options ahead of the World Cup in England. Moreover, his excellent form in the inaugural Mzansi Super League (MSL) has been rewarded as well.

He averaged almost 60 in the 12 matches during the tournament at an exceptional strike-rate of 140 and ended the league as the highest run-getter. The other notable inclusions are Dane Paterson and Hashim Amla who missed the Australia tour due to injury. JP Duminy and Lungi Ngidi are still recovering from respective injuries and have not been considered.

“We need to look at all the options available to us as we get closer to selecting our final squad for this year’s World Cup and Rassie and Dane are two players who have been knocking strongly on the door in all formats,” CSA selection convener Linda Zondi said in a statement according to Cricbuzz.

Markram, Behardien and Morris dropped

South Africa had won the series in Australia by 2-1 and almost all the players performed when the opportunity was presented to them. However, the trio of Aiden Markram, Farhaan Behardien and Chris Morris have been left out. Though Zondi was quick to say that they will get an opportunity in the second half of the five-match series.

“Those players who went to Australia and have not been selected for the first two matches — Farhaan Behardien, Aiden Markram and Chris Morris — are by no means out of the picture, and they may well get further opportunities in the second half of the series,” Linda added. The ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan commences on January 19 in Port Elizabeth.

South Africa’s 14-man squad for the first two ODIs: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.

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