Morkel replaces rested Kallis

South Africa has named Albei Morkel in their ODI squad to take on Zimbabwe at home, as a replacement for all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who has been rested.

Morkel has represented South Africa only thrice, his last appearance being almost a year back. His selection comes as a surprise, as Boeta Dipenaar was tipped to be the most likely replacement for Kallis.

Kallis had a wonderful year 2004, which he topped off with 625 runs against England in the home Test series. However, his performance slipped a bit during the recently concluded ODI series, which could be a result of fatigue.

Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini, who had expressed a desire to miss out the series so as to gain some rest for next month’s tour of West Indies, have been named in the squad, however, they are both each sure to miss out on at least one game.

Hard-hitting batsman Justin Kemp, struggling from strained left intercostal muscle following the England series, has been named in the 15-man squad, however his participation will depend on a fitness test he will go through before the first ODI.

South Africa squad:
G Smith (captain), N Boje, A Bacher, M Boucher (wicket-keeper), AB de Villiers, H Gibbs, A Hall, J Kemp, A Morkel, A Nel, M Ntini, A Prince, S Pollock, J Rudolph.