Cape Town - Hashim Amla will lead the Proteas against the Springboks in the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup at the Wanderers next Friday.
He stands in for regular captain, Faf du Plessis, who has been advised a period of rest by the Cricket SA (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 fourth one-day international (ODI) and will instead be the team’s coach, while Du Plessis will manage the side.
Imran Tahir (left hamstring), Aaron Phangiso (hand), Vernon Philander (right shoulder) and JP Duminy (knee) 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,” said CSA selection convenor, Andrew Hudson.
“The selectors have picked a great team with a good mix of talent,” said 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.”
Hudson said the team refused to go easy on the Springboks.
“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 de Villiers and Victor Matfield will be the crucial cogs in their line-up. It should be a good battle.”
Proteas T20 squad: Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras, captain), Farhaan Behardien (Titans), Quinton de Kock (Lions), Ryan McLaren (Dolphins), David Miller (Dolphins), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Robin Peterson (Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Rilee Rossouw (Knights), Mthokozisi Shezi (Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Lions). Coach: AB de Villiers.
Sapa