Magala included in South Africa's squad for England ODIs

Right-arm seamer Sisanda Magala, who played the last of his three ODIs in January 2022, has been included in South Africa’s 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, starting on January 27 in Bloemfontein.

There’s no place for young Dewald Brevis who has been the talk of the town. The 19-year-old is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the ongoing SA20, but South Africa want to include him in the T20I set-up first and give him a David-Warner-like introduction to international cricket.

Meanwhile, Magala was the leading wicket-taker in this season's domestic one-day cup, having picked up 17 wickets in seven games at an average of 18.29. 

"Sisanda has been a good performer in the last few years. We have had some fitness issues with him in the past and that's the only reason he was left out. His consistency has been the reason why he has been selected," said selection convenor Victor Mpitsang.

South Africa will be coached by Shukri Conrad, who was named as their Test coach on Monday, because their new white-ball coach Rob Walter is finishing his commitments with the Central Stags in New Zealand.  

Temba Bavuma will continue to lead the side. The right-hander had a terrible T20 World Cup with the bat and as captain but is going to lead South Africa in the 50-over World Cup in India. "He is in a good space. In the one-day format, he has a good record. We are quite happy with where he is at the moment," Mpitsang said.

The likes of Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen are all part of the squad, while Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will take care of the spin department. Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell are the other seamers apart from Magala.

Ryan Rickelton, who was the highest run-getter in the domestic one-day cup, hasn't been included. "Ryan has performed really well in the last summer. It's about where does he fit in at the moment. He is an opening batter. He has got good numbers. In a squad of 16, we just couldn't get him in. We have had a conversation before we pick the squad and the medical team made it clear that the risk is not as high as when we travel abroad."

The Proteas need to win at least three of their remaining five ODIs (three vs England, two vs Netherlands), which are part of the World Cup Super League, if they want to directly qualify for the World Cup. They are currently placed 11th on the points table and will have to play the qualifiers if they fail to leapfrog Ireland, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.