The ODI World Cup will be held in India at the end of this year. And so, since the beginning of the year, the cricket playing countries are targeting this format. This time, the series of this format is supposed to be held more. A few days later the ODI series is going to be held between England and South Africa. And for that series, the South African Cricket Board has already announced the team.

In announcing the team for this series against the English, the selectors of the South African Cricket Board have shown a lot of skill. Emphasis is placed on picking cricketers, performance in ongoing SAT20 leagues. And Sisanda Magalar got chance at that. This pacer has returned to the national team after almost a year. The reason is clear, he is in good form with the ball in the SAT20 league.

Magala last played in the national team jersey, against India in January 2022. Since then, the reason for not getting a chance in the national team is not being able to pass the fitness test prescribed by the board. The pacer failed the mandatory two kilometer run test. Magala did not make that mistake this time. This Protea has passed the fitness test by getting about eight and a half points. As a result, he got a chance in the team.

This wicket-taker bowler in the ongoing SAT20 league has been praised by the country’s chief selector Victor Mpetsang. According to him, Magala was left out of the national team only due to lack of fitness. In this regard, Mpitsang said, “We have been watching him for the past few years. He has performed well. But his fitness has not been good these few years. So, we could not take him.”

Meanwhile, the Proteas will start the series against the English at home on January 27. Then the second ODI of the series will be held on January 29. After that, the third and last ODI match will be played in the month of February. The two teams will fight on the field on the 1st of that month. However, on this tour, there are no Tests and Twenty20 matches. Both teams are expected to play well. On the other hand, cricket fans are waiting for a packed series.

South Africa squad:

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