Cape Town, Jan 19 (IANS) Experienced wicket-keeper Mark Boucher found no place while an injured Jacques Kallis has been included in South Africa’s World Cup squad announced Wednesday.
Imran Tahir is the only uncapped player included in the 15-man squad for the World Cup which begins in the sub-continent Feb 19.
Morne van Wyk has been picked as second wicket-keeper to AB de Villiers, leaving no space for Boucher, who has played in two World Cups for South Africa in 2003 and 2007.
Kallis, who suffered a side strain and bruised rib injury during the Castle Test series, was one of the four players from the squad that reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup in 2007. The others are Graeme Smith (captain), AB de Villiers and Robbie Peterson.
‘The squad consists of seven specialist batsmen, three specialist spin bowlers and four specialist seamers with Morne van Wyk providing wicketkeeping cover as well as an extra top order batting option,’ said selection convener Andrew Hudson.
‘In addition, Kallis provides an additional seam bowling option as do Du Plessis and JP Duminy in the spin bowling department.
‘CSA’s medical committee are happy with Kallis’ progress and he will be ready to play a full role with both bat and ball from the start of the tournament.
‘I am very happy with Faf du Plessis’ debut and form. He gives us a leg spinning option as well and is an outstanding fielder.
‘The selection of three specialist spin bowlers is essential for the conditions we expect to encounter at the World Cup and it is not a worry that Tahir has not played an ODI yet. The conditions in South Africa have been more suited to seam bowling and his record in domestic cricket both in South Africa and England speaks for itself. We know exactly what he offers us.’
South Africa World Cup squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers (wicket-keeper), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robbie Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk.
