Hashim Amla has been left out of the South African squad for the first three matches of the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka whilst Lungi Ngidi was recalled and Anrich Nortje earned a call up.
Amla has been struggling with form of late despite his century in the Pakistan series which drew a lot of criticism given the situation of the game and his approach towards the milestone.
Convenor of selectors Linda Zondi says that the exclusion of the veteran is by no means linked to his form:” We know, for example, what Hashim Amla has to offer us and he remains a senior member of our squad.”
Meanwhile, Ngidi has made a full return to fitness following a lengthy knee injury and will be put to the test ahead of the World Cup with a lot of fans hoping he can quickly regain the form that saw him burst onto the international scene.
Warriors fast bowler Anrich Nortje has earned a call up and could be inline for his debut after impressive performances in the Mzansi Super League got him noticed before an injury cut his tournament short.
JP Duminy is a nother notable absentee on the list although the word is that he might be fit for the second and third matches.
Duminy has played very little cricket as of late because of injury and his chances of earning a World Cup squad remain very thin unless he can make a point when he returns.
The first match will take place at the Wanderers on 3 March.
Full squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Quinton de Kock (wkt), Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.
