Hashim Amla will lead the Ticketpro Proteas against the Springboks in the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Friday, 5 December 2014.
He stands in for regular captain, Faf du Plessis, who has been advised a period of rest by the CSA Medical Team to recover from a hip injury.
AB de Villiers could also not be considered because of the rib injury that he suffered in Australia during the 4th ODI and will instead be the team’s coach while Faf du Plessis will manage the side. JP Duminy will join the SuperSport on field commentary team as an analyst during the match.
Imran Tahir, Aaron Phangiso and JP Duminy remain on the injury list while Morne Morkel is not available for personal reasons.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe returns for the Proteas after being out of action due to a long-term injury.
“We have chosen the best available team which we believe will do justice to this very important occasion that goes beyond the game of cricket,” commented CSA selection convener, Andrew Hudson.
"The selectors have picked a great team with a good mix of talent,” commented Amla. I’m quite excited to see what ideas AB will bring as coach. He picked up quite a few tips from last year so he will have some innovative tricks up his sleeves when we do our planning.We saw a few chinks in their technique last year and we will no doubt try to exploit that. “We know that we can't take them lightly.
“Our fast bowlers are licking their lips at the thought of running out at the Bullring next week. We certainly aren't here to make friends; we want to win. They have named quite a strong team. Jean and Victor will be the crucial cogs in their line-up. It should be a good battle.”
Proteas Blue Label Telecoms T20 squad: Hashim Amla (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Farhaan Behardien (The Unlimited Titans), Quinton de Kock (bizhub Highveld Lions), Ryan McLaren (Sunfoil Dolphins), David Miller (Sunfoil Dolphins), Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors), Robin Peterson (Nashua Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions), Rilee Rossouw (Chevrolet Knights), Mthokozisi Shezi (Nashua Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Nashua Cape Cobras), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (bizhub Highveld Lions). Manager: AB de Villiers. Coach: Faf du Plessis.
The match celebrates the first anniversary of Madiba’s death, and will be played in his honour and in celebration of his legacy.
The game will be televised live on SuperSport 2.
Tickets for the match are available from www.ticketpro.co.za and range from R90-R200. Fans will also be entertained on the day by top local artists. A signing session with selected members of both teams will also take place as well as the popular Hit-a-Six competition. A kicking competition has also been added to the festivities.
NOTE:
Ticketpro is a Blue Label Telecoms company