Kyle Abbott added to South Africa ODI squad
Abbott had a spectacular debut, taking 7 for 29 in Pakistan's first innings and was declared Man of the Match in a comprehensive innings and 18 runs win for South Africa.
Kyle Abbott, the right-arm pacer who made his Test debut for South Africa in the third Test against Pakistan, has been added to the South African One-Day International squad.
Abbott had a spectacular debut, taking 7 for 29 in Pakistan's first innings and was declared Man of the Match in a comprehensive innings and 18 runs win for South Africa. Abbott had initially been drafted into the squad as cover for the injured Morne Morkel, but earned a Test cap when Jacques Kallis suffered a calf injury a day before the third Test.
Morkel's continuing recovery has ensured that Abbott continues to be in the scheme of things. He will be a part of the squad for all five matches, scheduled from March 10-24.
"Morne Morkel's recovery from his hamstring injury is still a work in progress and we consider it prudent to provide extra depth to our fast bowling resources," said Andrew Hudson, the Cricket South Africa selection convener, in a statement on Wednesday (February 27).
South Africa, whose hold on the No.1 rank in Test cricket strengthened after a 3-0 sweep of Pakistan, have the opportunity to earn the top rank in ODIs too, if they win 5-0. They are currently ranked fourth with 112 points, but will topple India, the top-ranked team at present with 119 points, if they ensure a clean sweep.
The top-ranked ODI team stands to win $US 175,000 and the ODI shield, with the cut-off date April 1.
South Africa ODI squad (revised): AB de Villiers (capt, wk), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.