Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher axed from South Africa squad for Sri Lanka one-dayers

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, batsman David Miller and leg-spinner Imran Tahir are the three omissions, who paid the price for the limited-overs series defeat at home at the hands of Australia in October.

Dean Elgar, is a 24-year-old left-handed batsman and occasional spinner, has not represented South Africa in any format yet while Rory Kleinveldt, a 28-year-old all-rounder has played two Twenty20 internationals for his country.

Elgar fully deserves his opportunity: Selector

“Elgar fully deserves his opportunity,” Andrew Hudson, the CSA selection convener, said in a statement.

“He was the leading run-scorer in the (domestic) one-day cup and also had the best average. In addition he gives us very useful bowling options as a left-arm spinner.

“Kleinveldt played an important role with the ball in helping the Cobras to win the one-day cup and he also has a lot of potential as a lower-order power hitter.”

De Villiers, who missed the rubber against Australia because of finger injury, will lead his side for the first time since his appointment as limited overs captain while Hashim Amla will be his deputy.

The first match starts on January 11 at Boland Park, Paarl. Other matches are scheduled at Buffalo Park (Jan 14), Chevrolet Park (Jan 17), Diamond Oval (Jan 20), Bidvest Wanderers Stadium (Jan 22).

South Africa Squad

AB de Villiers (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Hashim Amla (Vice-Captain), Johan Botha, JP Duminy , Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Jacques Kallis, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe