Johannesburg: Injured wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has been included in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the cricket World Cup, starting on Feb 14. De Kock, 22, tore a ligament in his right ankle while warming up during the first Test against the West Indies on Dec 19 and is still recovering from its effects.“Quinton de Kock is the only injury concern at the moment,” Andrew Hudson, Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection committee convener said on Wednesday. “Our medical committee has backed his inclusion in the squad at this stage so there is confidence that he will be ready for the tournament.”The squad picked by Cricket South Africa was otherwise at full strength, led by captain AB de Villiers, vice-captain Hashim Amla, and fast bowling leader Dale Steyn.
There were no major surprises in the squad, but two changes were made from the team that was beaten 1-4 in Australia in November with injured duo of left-handed batsman Jean Paul Duminy and spinner Aaron Phangiso returning.“There are eight players with previous World Cup experience – De Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir – so we feel we have a nice blend of experience of major knock-out tournaments plus the freshness that will come from the relative newcomers.The squad: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla (vice captain), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn.Kiwi pacer Milne wins battle for WC spot
Fast bowler Adam Milne won the battle for the final pace bowling spot in New Zealand’s cricket World Cup squad named on Thursday.Milne’s selection in the final 15-man squad had been signalled during New Zealand’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Wellington when he joined the team for sessions with bowling coach Shane Bond.With head coach Mike Hesson already determining the squad would need five pace bowlers, the 22-year-old Milne pipped Canterbury’s Matt Henry for what many considered the final decision in the squad’s composition.
Both bowlers were impressive during New Zealand’s series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last month but Milne’s ability to deliver at more than 150 kph probably swung the decision in his favour.
Selectors sprung something of a surprise, however, by picking 35-year-old all-rounder Grant Elliott, who has not played for the one-day side for over a year, at the expense of Jimmy Neesham.”Our batting unit has good depth and Grant’s inclusion assures us strong cover in the middle order,” Hesson said in a statement. “He brings a lot of experience and his record in New Zealand and Australia conditions is excellent.”Veteran Kyle Mills also made the cut after recovering sufficiently from a groin strain he sustained during the Pakistan series.
Test opener Tom Latham was also included in the squad, though he is expected to be used mostly in the middle order with captain Brendon McCullum already confirming he would open the batting during the February 14 – March 29 tournament.Latham will also be the backup wicketkeeper behind Luke Ronchi.Former captain Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum will be the front line spinners, with top-order batsman Kane Williamson to provide a part-time option.
With Corey Anderson another recognised all-rounder in the squad, the team has impressive depth in their batting lineup with players like Vettori, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee and Mills all capable of scoring quick runs at the bottom of the order.The squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson. (UNI)