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Proteas announced their final 15 players squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand next month. AB de Villiers is named the captain while Hashim Amla is vice captain of the side in the tournament. South Africa is to gamble on the fitness of Quinton de Kock and J.P. Duminy, who were named on Wednesday in a 15-man squad for the Cricket World Cup. De Kock, the exciting 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, is only expected to recover from an ankle ligament injury in one month. Also Read - PM Modi Assures India's Support to South Africa, Egypt in Fighting COVID-19 Pandemic

He was injured in last month’s first test against West Indies and was initially ruled out of action for three months but has been undergoing intensive treatment. Duminy has had persistent knee problems. He missed the three three-test series against West Indies but could play again next week. Tournament rules allow for injured players to be replaced during the World Cup. Also Read: Team India squad for 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup: India confirms 15-man squad Also Read - Played 2015 ODI World Cup With a Broken Knee: Mohammed Shami

It was estimated that he could be out of action for between 10 and 12 weeks, which would probably mean him missing at least South Africa’s first two World Cup matches, against Zimbabwe on February 15 and India on February 22.

De Kock has become such a valuable member of the one-day side, with six centuries in his first 35 one-day internationals, that the selectors are willing to gamble on him recovering in time to play the team’s later pool games and in the knock-out stages, with AB de Villiers taking the gloves in the interim.

All-rounder Ryan McLaren, the side’s leading wicket-taker in both 2013 and 2014, was dropped after a dramatic fall-off in form since suffering a broken arm against Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson in a Test match last season. Robin Peterson, a veteran of three World Cups who replaced Phangiso in Australia, was also omitted.

South Africa’s challenge will be spearheaded by a strong batting line-up, in which De Villiers and Hashim Amla have outstanding records, while the powerful fast bowling trio of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander will be complemented by leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who has taken 47 wickets in 27 one-day internationals.

South Africa start a five match one-day international series against West Indies next week as they conclude preparations and play their first World Cup game in Hamilton against neighbours Zimbabwe on Feb. 15. Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Complete Fixtures & Time Table of all Cricket World Cup 2015 Matches

South Africa Squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla (vice captain), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn.