Fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and uncapped Anrich Nortje were named in a 14-man South African squad on Sunday for the first three of five one-day internationals against Sri Lanka.
Veteran batsman Hashim Amla was not included for the start of South Africa's last series before the Cricket World Cup in England from May to July – but selection convener Linda Zondi said Amla, 35, remained a senior player. The board has maintained that he remains a senior member of the side.
Wicket-keeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen and seamer Dane Paterson, who were a part of South Africa's squad for their recently concluded ODI series against Pakistan, were left out. The Proteas will look to make certain changes into their XI and experiment as they prepare for the World Cup.
Ngidi and Nortje, who made a sensational impression with his pace in a Twenty20 tournament early in the season, have both returned to action in recent weeks. Ngidi suffered a knee injury in Australia in November, while Nortje has been sidelined by an ankle problem.
"It is great to have Lungi back in the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines caused by the injury he suffered in the white-ball series in Australia last year," selection convener Linda Zondi told.
Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius form the all-rounders contingent. On the other hand, Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi make up the spin department's slots. Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, and David Miller are still the core to the side as they look to put behind the humiliating Test series behind.
Sri Lanka clinched the Test series 2-0 after a clinical show against a strong South African side. The five-match ODI series kick-starts on March 3 in Johannesburg.
