Gooi ‘n lange: Five Proteas set to miss tough England ODI test
UPBEAT: Charl Langeveldt
The Proteas have released five players from their squad ahead of today’s first ODI against world champions England at Newlands.
Ex-captain Faf du Plessis will be rested for the 50-over series after playing in the 3-0 T20I series whitewash suffered at the hands of the visitors, while top bowler Kagiso Rabada suffered injury ahead of the final T20I earlier this week and was pulled from the squad.
Furthermore, Pite van Biljon, Bjorn Fortuin and Reeza Hendricks have all been released to their dometic teams and will be available to play in the domestic 4-Day competition.
Of missing the 36-year-old Du Plessis in the ODIs, bowling coach Charl Langeveldt says: “It’s a huge loss – his [Du Plessis’s] experience [is invaluable].
“But we are looking at the next 50-over World Cup and we want to give younger players a chance to gain experience. We want to give players enough experience before the next World Cup.”
Of Rabada he adds: “His loss is massive – he always strikes with the new ball. We speak a lot about taking wickets in the first 10 overs.
"But it’s another opportunity for a youngster to put up his hand.”
Lutho Sipamla, 22, replaced Rabada in the final T20I at Newlands and was smacked for 45 runs in 2.4 overs.
Of Sipamla, Langeveldt says: “It’s hard on Lutho, hasn’t played [in a long time].
“He hasn’t played any competitive cricket [since lockdown] and a top team like that is going to target you…
“There isn’t a lot of players that fill the void left by Kagiso.”