South Africa vs Zimbabwe: Dean Elgar replaces Hashim Amla for the ODI series

Starting from September 30 2018, South Africa will be playing Zimbabwe for three ODIs and the same number of T20Is at home. However, even before the series has begun, the home side has been hit with a big blow. Their experienced batsman Hashim Amla has sustained an injury during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which has forced him out of the series. The left-handed batsman, Dean Elgar will be replacing him in the squad.

The 31-year-old has featured in just six ODIs thus far in his career and last played a game against India in 2015 in the format. In the five innings which he has batted, Elgar has scored 98 runs at an average of 24. Making a comeback into the side after nearly three years, he will be eager to prove his worth in the limited-overs set-up.

Opportunity to see what Elgar is capable of

According to a media release by Cricket South Africa (CSA), Amla sustained a tear to the tendon in his left fifth digit while fielding in the CPL. As a result, he has had to miss out on the ODI series against Zimbabwe. However, CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi seemed positive about the swap that was made. He said that Elgar’s recent form and experience will add great value to the Proteas top-order.

“The Zimbabwe series is an opportunity to further explore our ODI options. The unfortunate injury to Hashim gives us an opportunity to see what Dean is capable of in the limited-overs format. He has always been on our radar having put in consistent performances, both in South Africa and the UK. He brings a wealth of valuable experience to the batting group in Hashim and Faf’s absence,” she said.

Also, the regular South African skipper Faf du Plessis is still deemed to be unfit. Hence, JP Duminy will take over the captaincy reigns from him for the ODI series. “We hope that Faf will be fit enough to lead the T20 side for the three-match series against Zimbabwe,” team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee opined.

South Africa ODI squad: Jean-Paul Duminy(c), Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Willem Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Khaya Zondo, Dean Elgar

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