Australia in South Africa: Smith returns to ODI Squad

South Africa won their final test match against the touring Australian side to restore some pride and momentum back with them. With a big loss of Smith to Injury, Jaques Kallis took over captaincy as South Africa convincingly beat the Australian's by an innings, the Australian's however had won the earlier matches to take the series 2-1. That brought an end to the Test, but the real test begins now, Can South Africa restore the same pride as the host Australia for 2 T20 matches and 5 ODI matches? The real test begins now as the South African Cricket season draws to the end...



It's hard to carry momentum with you for nine months but that's the task South Africa have ahead of them after winning the third Test against Australia in Cape Town. Their next Test assignment is not until December 16, when they host England in Centurion for the first of a four-Test series. The only international action they have between the upcoming ODI series against Australia and the visit of England will be the World Twenty20 in England in June and the Champions Trophy in September. However, Jacques Kallis, the stand-in captain who oversaw their victory by an innings and 20 runs at Newlands, said the Test players would still take heart from the dead-rubber win.

Despite good performance in his debut test, Imraan khan has been left out of the ODI squad for South Africa. Albie Morkel impressed with his all round performance in the last test to retain his well established spot in the side. The rest of the squad is contained with players who have impressed not only with their current form but with performances in the past helping South Africa to a number of wins. These names include, Herschelle Gibbs, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher,Morne Morkel, Johan Botha, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini.

The big doubt however lied over inclusion of Greame smith who was injured during the second test when he preffered to stay in the dressing room as SA lost the second test. The man showed no courageous efforts as against the last time in Australia where he walked out with a fractured rib to face the final few overs to save the test. He didn't manage to save the wicket for long but South Africa took the series 2-0. Refer here for more. All doubts were cleared as the ODI squad was announced. Smith will be in the team, playing as a captain.

Wayne Pannel, the tall left arm bowler who proved his skills with the game in the one day series that SA won in Australia against Australia. He also finds his spot in the team. The 14-man squad announced for the first 2 one dayers is as follows: Graeme Smith (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Mark Boucher (wk), Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Johan Botha, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Makhaya Ntini.





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Kunal Janu