Pakistan v South Africa 2013-14
Smith, Steyn return for Pakistan series
Graeme Smith, who has been out of competitive cricket since May, is set
to lead South Africa against Pakistan in the Test series in the UAE,
which begins on October 14. Smith suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury
while playing county cricket for Surrey, which required surgery. He is
not 100% fit yet but, at the squad announcement, Smith said: "I'm
feeling on track and I feel I will be there on the tour."
Dale Steyn, who missed much of the Champions Trophy and the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka due to several niggles
- including side strain, groin, glute, neck and ankle problem - will be
fit to play. Wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile was picked, while Jacques
Rudolph missed out. Imran Tahir and Robin Peterson were both named,
meaning South Africa will have two frontline spin options for the tour.
JP Duminy, who had missed South Africa's previous Test series - also
against Pakistan, at home in February this year - due to the Achilles
tendon injury that ruled him out for several months in the first half of
the year, returns to the long format.
Smith and Steyn also feature in the ODI squad for the tour, but Jacques
Kallis - who opted out of the Champions Trophy and the limited-overs
games in Sri Lanka - does not feature, despite confirming his desire to play the 2015 World Cup.
Cricket South Africa said their T20 squad would be named after the Champions League T20, which ends on October 6.
South Africa play two Tests, followed by five ODIs and two T20s, on the tour.
SA squads for the Pakistan series
My squad would have been: Smith (c), Amla, Kallis,
DeVilliers (wk), Duminy, DuPlessis, Steyn, Morkel, Philander, Tahir, A
Petersen, Elgar, Hendricks, R Peterson, DeKock.
In my opinion, kleinveldt will not remain in the sa
setup for much longer, he has not done a lot and there are a lot of younger
talent like parnell and Hendricks who in time will take his place. Tsolekile
whilst he is useful is old, de kock should tour with these guys to gain
experience as he is def one for the future. Future SA Test Team; Elgar, Amla,
De Villiers, Duminy, Du Plessis, De Kock (wk), McLaren/Parnell, Philander,
Steyn, Morkel, Harmer
Tsolekile and Kleinveldt still in the test squad ?! An
ageing pair of players who will never be international class. Take Harmer,
Abbott and de Kock on tour to get experience as at least they have a chance of
becoming good international class cricketers.
Going to be one helluva series, too bad it is only 2
tests.
As far as SA selection goes, how did Kleinveldt get in
ahead of Abbott who took a 9-fer on test debut? Also, do we really need two
bowlers who turn the ball away from the right-hander? How about some variety
and throw in off-spinner Simon Harmer who has played brilliantly for SA
"A"?
Tsolekile as back-up keeper...if age is not an issue
for a keeper, then that spot should be Morne van Wyk's who is the better
gloveman and better batsman. On the positive side for SA cricket, what this
move will do is allow QdeK some time behind the stumps for the Lions during the
opening rounds of the Sunfoil Series and a chance to prove his worth in the
first-class arena, and in time for the home series' against India and
Australia.
Lastly, it is time CSA named a vice-captain and
groomed him to take over for the future. My pick is Dean Elgar, who captained
SA Schools.
Predictable test squad but the one-day squad could
have used more imagination. Tired of seeing the same old Smith Amla Kallis
line-up. This side is due for some younger fresher faces. The next time Smith
and Amla are out we might have a repeat of the last 6 months. There should be
at least one new cap a tour then we're not forced to bring in the likes of
Petersen and Ingram to open the batting when injuries occur. Also elgar is not
likely to play in the tests and should have been given more time in the ODI's
if we're serious about him. Bringing Steyn and Philander to the ODI squad are
signs that the selectors are keen to address the current slide in rankings
which is good but a poor reflection of the next wave of bowlers we have.
Pity its just a two test series. I'm sure many of us
would have loved to see at least 3 or 4 test between these countries.
Especially to gauge how good this SA side are remembering that when Eng were no.1
their decline from the top started with a failed test against spin against Pak
in the UAE. With India not intent at playing SA away from their backyard it
would be nice if CSA and the Pakistani cricket board were to add one or two
tests to the series.
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