T20 World Cup: Faf Du Plessis, Imran Tahir & Chris Morris Not Included In SA Squad

Cricket Image for T20 World Cup: Faf Du Plessis, Imran Tahir & Chris Morris Not Included In SA Squad (Image Source: Google)

The experienced trio Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Chris Morris have not been included in South Africa's squad for the men's T20 World Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Victor Mptisang, the convenor of selectors, announced the squad led by Temba Bavuma in a live television broadcast on Thursday.

The 37-year-old du Plessis, who retired from Test cricket in February this year, had spoken in the past about the upcoming tournament as one of his targets. But du Plessis hasn't played a white-ball match for South Africa since December 2020 and was not a part of South Africa's series against Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland and currently Sri Lanka.

"Faf has got a wonderful record. But at the moment, we want to be consistent in selection and this is the group of players we have gone with," said Mptisang.

Similarly, Tahir had made himself available for T20Is after retiring from ODIs post the 2019 Cricket World Cup. But he has not been included. Morris, the pace bowling all-rounder, last played for South Africa in March 2019. All three players had been active in franchise leagues around the world.

SA's white-ball team captain Temba Bavuma, who had to leave the Sri Lanka tour after thumb fracture, is expected to recover in time to captain his side at the T20 World Cup. Bavuma went under the knife on Sunday and is expected to be fit before the tournament begins. He will lead a 15-player squad with three frontline spinners in Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin.

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