Proteas rest key players to build squad depth ahead of Afghanistan, Ireland series

Proteas white-ball head coach Rob Walter on Monday announced the squads for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan and white-ball tour against Ireland, which get underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month.

The ODI squad will depart for the UAE on Saturday ahead of their three ODIs from 18-22 September at Sharjah Stadium. Thereafter, the Proteas will take on Ireland in two T20Is and three ODIs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

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The Proteas, fresh off a 3-0 T20I whitewash defeat by the West Indies in the Caribbean last month, have decided to once again rest several key players. The likes of Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje are all rested. 

Proteas seamer Lungi Ngidi has recovered from his right calf injury and has been named in all three squads.

Lions spinner Nqaba Peter and Dolphins all-rounder Jason Smith, who are both capped in T20 Internationals (T20I), have earned their maiden ODI call-ups.

Dolphins all-rounder Andile Simelane receives his first national call-up after being named in both the ODI squad against Afghanistan and T20I side against Ireland. The 21-year-old Simelane, identified as a prospect for the future, most recently represented South Africa A in the one-day series against Sri Lanka A.

South Africa ODI squad against Afghanistan

Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), Ottneil Baartman (Dolphins), Nandre Burger(Western Province), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Titans), Nqaba Peter (Lions), Andile