Imran Tahir Named In Invitational Side To Play Pakistan

Imran Tahir Named In Invitational Side To Play Pakistan

Imran Tahir is included in the South Africa Invitation XI to take on the touring Pakistan side

©REUTERS / Action Images

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have named a South African Invitation XI which will play the touring Pakistanis in a one-day game next Wednesday (6th March).

As the match comes in the middle of the domestic Twenty20 competition, Stephen Cook will captain a side made up of players who represent the Dolphins and Lions franchises.

Nevertheless, it contains four players - Imran Tahir, Quinton de Kock, Chris Morris and Vaughn van Jaarsveld with international experience.

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"Once again this match provides opportunities for players to show what they can do at a higher level and also to enjoy the special experience of playing against an international team," coach Vinnie Barnes said.

"We have seen a number of players taking advantage of matches both for South Africa A and the Invitation sides to earn places in the Proteas' set-up.

"You don’t have to look further than Kyle Abbott for a good example of this. It is really heartening to see the excited feedback I get from players when they are offered this opportunity."

Pakistan-born Tahir played a leading role in South Africa's journey to the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup but has subsequently fallen out of favour with Robin Peterson and Aaron Phangiso preferred but this game gives him an opportunity to state his case for a recall.

Likewise, van Jaarsveld, who played the last of his limited overs internationals in early 2009, is given another chance to impress the selectors.

Wicket-keeper de Kock and fast bowler Morris have already featured for the Proteas this summer against New Zealand and although they both missed out on selection for the ODI squad, the pair are in the squad for the two Twenty20 Internationals on 1st and 3rd March.

South Africa play Pakistan in five One-Day Internationals between 10th and 24th March in Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Benoni.

South Africa Invitation XI: Stephen Cook (captain), Craig Alexander, Temba Bavuma, Cody Chetty, Quinton de Kock, Imran Tahir, Chris Morris, Jean Symes, Jonathan Vandiar, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Hardus Viljoen, Lizaad Williams

© Cricket World 2013