Janneman Malan included in South Africa squad for India ODIs
What's the story
Opening batsman Janneman Malan has been named in South Africa's squad for the upcoming ODI series against India. The 23-year-old, who made his debut against Australia this month, slammed an unbeaten 129 in the second ODI. He was dismissed for a first-ball duck on his ODI debut in the series opener. The 16-member squad will depart from Johannesburg on Sunday. Here is more.
Twitter Post
Proteas name Malan in the squad after third ODI
#BreakingNews Proteas opening batsman, Janneman Malan has been included into the team’s ODI tour to India. They will now travel with a 16-man squad for the three-match series taking place in Dharamshala, Lucknow and Kolkata.
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 7, 2020
The team departs for India tomorrow morning. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/hs4vjXc3zr
Malan
Malan's century handed him a place in the squad
The right-hander was not a part of South Africa's squad which was announced last Monday. Malan had a forgettable debut match as he was removed by Mitchell Starc on the very first ball of the match. However, his 139-ball 129 guided the Proteas to victory in the second ODI. He was then roped in by the South African selectors for the upcoming India tour.
Opening slot
Malan will compete with Bavuma for the spot
For the opener's slot, Malan will be up against Temba Bavuma, who was forced out of the series against Australia with a hamstring niggle. Bavuma was the original choice to pair up with Quinton de Kock in the Australia ODI series , but injury sidelined him. Jon-Jon Smuts will also be looking to stake the claim alongside Malan and Bavuma.
Information
South Africa's 16-member squad for ODI series vs India
Full squad: Quinton de Kock (C), Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Jon-Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan
ODI series
The three-ODI series commences on March 12
After having lost the T20I series 1-2 to Australia, the Proteas bounced back firmly, sweeping Australia 3-0 in the ODI series. A stern challenge awaits them as they travel to India for a three-match ODI series. Dharamsala will play host to the opener on March 12, while Lucknow and Kolkata will host the following two ODIs on March 15 and 18 respectively.