It has been a difficult series for South Africa and their fans. After the triumphant Test series, it felt like South Africa had enough ammunition to power through in the ODIs as well, but a rejuvenated Indian side, riding on that momentum from the 3rd Test, started dominating the Proteas in their home condition.
Advertisement
Injuries to AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis did not help their case either, but primarily it was the inability of the South African batting unit to read the wrist spinners that cost them the first 3 games. That and of course the genius of Virat Kohli.
AB de Villiers though is set to return for the last 3 ODIs, having fully recovered from his finger injury. However, ABD will not be captaining South Africa in the last 3 ODIs, with the management deciding to persist with the young Markram(in the absence of full-time captain Faf du Plessis).
Cricket South Africa have named a 15 man squad for the final 3 ODIs, with AB de Villiers being the only player added.
Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir are probably the most experienced out of the lot and will have to step up in order to make a comeback in this series.
Morne Morkel who was left out of the side for the last ODI game should be back for the 4th ODI in place of Ngidi, who had a torrid outing in his debut ODI game.
Klassen will slot into the middle order as the wicketkeeper and Zondo will most likely sit this one out with AB de Villiers back in the squad.
The 4th ODI is scheduled to take place on the 10th of February in jo’Burg and with it being a ‘Pink ODI’, South Africa would be hoping that AB de Villiers can rise to the occasion and give the Proteas something to cheer for.
Here’s the South African 15 man squad:
Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Khaya Zondo, Kagido Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shami, Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Farhaan Behardien, AB de Villiers.
