Proteas name Steyn, Miller in ODI squad

Fast-bowler Dale Steyn and big-hitting batsman David Miller have both been named to make their One-Day International returns after being picked in South Africa’s squad for their upcoming five-match series against Australia.

Steyn and Miller both missed the Proteas most recent 50-over assignment in June, a tri-series in the Caribbean against Australia and the West Indies.

The pair come back into their squad in place of towering seamer Morne Morkel, who continues to recover from a back injury, and batsman Rilee Rossouw, who hadn’t gained enough match-practice to be considered for selection after injuring his shoulder in the tri-series nearly three months ago.

After missing South Africa’s recent Test series against New Zealand through injury, South Africa ODI captain and the ICC’s No.1 ranked one-day batsman AB de Villiers is set to recover in time for the Australia series, according to Cricket South Africa Selection Committee Convener Linda Zondi.

“Morne Morkel and Rilee Rossouw were not considered for selection as they continue to recover from injury and a lack of match fitness respectively, while AB de Villiers is on track to return from the injury that kept him out of the Sunfoil Test Series against New Zealand,” Zondi said.

Miller was the standout batsman for South Africa A in the recently-concluded Quadrangular A series in Queensland, notching 332 runs at an average of 110, including a blistering 104-ball 124 against the National Performance Squad.

After impressing with the ball in the ‘A’ series and in South Africa domestic cricket in recent seasons, uncapped allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo has also been selected in the ODI squad to face Australia.

“Andile was our leading wicket-taker for South Africa A in the recently concluded quadrangular series in Australia,” Zondi,said.

“He has been knocking on the door for some time following his strong performances in last season’s Momentum One-Day Cup.

“It remains our practice to reward players who do well at franchise and South Africa A level.

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Both South Africa and Australia will face Ireland in one-off ODIs before the five-game series gets underway in Centurion on September 30.

The Proteas have included batsman Temba Bavuma and quick Dwaine Pretorius for their match against the Associate nation.

“As far as Temba Bavuma is concerned we want to see what he can do in the ODI format after the extremely successful run he has had in the Test squad where he has averaged 66 during the current calendar year.”

South Africa squad to play Australia:

AB de Villiers, Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn.

South Africa squad to play Ireland:

AB de Villiers (c),Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, David Mille, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada.