Kallis replaces Smith as the captain of S African team

June 08: Jacques Kallis has been named as the captain of South African team for the upcoming tour of Ireland. Besides a One Day International ODI against the hosts, South Africa will also play three ODI’S with India.

All the matches have a common venue, at Stormont Cricket Ground in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast.

The replaced captain Graeme Smith, after having surgery in his left knee, has been advised to rest along with the veteran all rounder Shaun Pollock. However Pollock is playing as a specialist batsman in the ongoing ODI series between Asia XI and Africa XI.

Kallis who has long been considered as the best all rounder in the game sees this as an opportunity for the youngsters to deliver at the highest level.

South Africa has brought some youngsters in their side for the tours which include left handed batsmen, J.P.Duminy, all-rounder team-mate Vernon Philander, batsmen Mornh van Wyk and right arm spin bowler, Thandi Tshabalala. Dale Steyn will also join the One-day Squad.

The convener of the selectors, Haroon Lorgat, said on Thursday that Kallis will replace Smith as the captain of the 14-man squad as Smith had not yet recovered from surgery in his left knee.

"The selectors want to use this tour as an opportunity to introduce some new players in the One-day Squad", said Lorgat.

Some of the new faces are on their come back like Mornh van Wyk, J P Duminy and Steyn. Mornh van Wyk made his One-Day International debut against England at Lords in 2003; Duminy appeared in Colombo against Sri Lanka, in 2004, while as Steyn made his first knock against Australia in Melbourne during the 2005-06 season.

Haroon Lorgat said, “The potential and performances of these players were carefully monitored in the past by the selection panel and now is the right time to introduce them into the national squad.” He added that “Graeme and Shaun are key players and need to be carefully managed before the start of another demanding season.”

However there are some experienced players besides Kallis like Gibbs and Boucher who are there to help the youngsters both in and out side the field.

Team: Jacques Kallis (Capt), Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Thandi Tshabalala and Mornh van Wyk.