Star South African fast bowler Dale Steyn was excluded from two national squads Thursday for an 18-day tour of Sri Lanka. The Proteas play five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches between July 20 and August 6 in capital city Colombo, Kandy and Hambantota. "We are resting Steyn as we have a very important and crowded Test season ahead," Cricket South Africa selection convener Andrew Hudson told reporters in Johannesburg.
"We want to be absolutely certain that Dale, as the leader of our attack, is properly rested and fit. "Graeme Smith could not be considered because of his long-term recovery process following surgery." Steyn helped South Africa reach the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals in England last month, while a recurring ankle injury sidelined star batsman Smith.
The tour marks the debut of new Proteas coach Russell Domingo and he will be in charge of 16-strong ODI and T20 squads with 12 cricketers included in both. Hashim Amla, Colin Ingram, Alviro Petersen and Robin Peterson play only in the five-ODI series spread over 12 days at three venues. Henry Davids, recalled Imran Tahir, Wayne Parnell and uncapped David Wiese were picked exclusively for three T20 games over five days. Adrian Birrell has been named assistant coach to Domingo and Claude Henderson specialist spin bowling coach, and Allan Donald has been retained as specialist bowling coach.
SQUADS: ODI AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
T20 Faf du Plessis (capt), Farhaan Behardien, Henry Davids, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, David Wiese.