South Africa have officially named their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Ireland, to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 27. The series will include both T20I and ODI formats, with Aiden Markram taking on the role of captain for the T20I side and veteran Temba Bavuma leading the ODI team. This series serves as a crucial opportunity for South Africa to test new talent and expand their player pool ahead of major international tournaments.

Key players rested

In a calculated move, several top players will be absent from this tour. Notable names such as Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen have been rested. This decision aligns with the team’s approach to broaden their talent pool and provide exposure to emerging players as they gear up for future international tournaments.

First ODI call-up for Jason Smith

All-rounder Jason Smith, who made his T20I debut recently against the West Indies, has earned his maiden ODI call-up. Additionally, leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter, who missed the Caribbean tour due to a shoulder injury, returns to the squad.

Lungi Ngidi returns to bolster the bowling attack

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is set to make his comeback after recovering from a right calf injury suffered during the West Indies tour. However, Quinton de Kock, who has yet to announce his T20I retirement, is not part of the squad. Kwena Maphaka, who debuted against the West Indies, has also been left out.

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Expanding the player pool for future tournaments

South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, highlighted the importance of providing opportunities to younger players. He further emphasized the team’s strategy of expanding their player pool in preparation for major ICC tournaments in the near future, with a particular focus on the 2027 50-over World Cup.

“We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months. This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027,” said Walter, in a statement.

South Africa T20I squad against Ireland: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs and Lizaad Williams.

South Africa ODI squad against Ireland: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.

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