SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF INDIA, 2015

Albie Morkel to replace David Wiese; Rilee Rossouw ruled out

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Albie Morkel last played a T20I in April 2014. © Cricbuzz

Albie Morkel has been called up to the South African T20I squad for the series against India as a replacement for David Wiese who fractured his right hand. Wiese picked up the injury while trying to take a catch off his own bowling during a warm-up match ahead of the Africa T20 Cup and he required a surgery that ruled him out of action for close to six weeks.

South Africa's T20 skipper, Faf du Plessis, admitted that Wiese's absence is a big blow for the tourists, but he expressed hope that Albie Morkel's experience will make up for the loss.

"David is a fantastic player for us in the T20 format. He has done really well. His bowling is going to be missed the most. He has been a banker from a captain's point of view. You know what you are going to get from him. He is pretty clever in the middle, he is a very smart bowler.

"Albie brings a lot of experience. I suppose Albie would have thought his time is up, once again, but he is getting another opportunity because he is a quality player. For him, it's important to try and also put a stake, even if he wasn't in our thinking and our plans, he is getting an opportunity to make it so," du Plessis said.

Rilee Rossouw, who was in line to play the ODIs against India, has been ruled out of the entire limited-overs leg of South Africa's trip to the sub-continent. Russouw is recovering from a stress injury to his foot that he sustained during the series against New Zealand and the Proteas team management is not willing to risk rushing him back into action too soon. Rossouw's absence will be made up by uncapped batsman Khaya Zondo, who is already part of the T20 team.

"The medical committee have decided its still too early for him (Rossouw) to be pushed at this stage. The plan is to get him to be ready by the end of October," South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said.

© Cricbuzz

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