South Africa announces World Cup squad; Amla in, Morris out

Veteran Hashim Amla makes the cut, fast bowler Chris Morris misses out.

While Hashim Amla has been handed an opportunity to represent the Proteas in England and Wales, both Reeza Hendricks and Chris Morris miss out.

Veteran batsman Hashim Amla found a place in South Africa’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 announced on Thursday. The 36-year-old right-hander — though not in the best of form at present — will look to end his career on a high through the big-ticket event.

Reeza Hendricks, a regular in the ODI side, has been overlooked.

Cricket South Africa CEO Thabang Moroe had made it clear that racial quotas won’t apply for a World Cup berth.

Four years ago in the Trans-Tasman World Cup, the Proteas’ run ended in debates over quotas. There was pressure to pick Vernon Philander for the semifinal against New Zealand.

Philander was picked ahead of the in-form Kyle Abbott.

Despite the electric form in the IPL, fast bowler Chris Morris — also a handy batsman down the order — has missed the bus. Anrich Nortje, currently nursing a niggle, is in.

Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi and Nortje form a tight bowling unit, while Tabraiz Shamsi and Imran Tahir will handle the spin duties.

South Africa Squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, JP Duminy, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi