“Both series are extremely important parts of Vision 2019 as we plan for next year’s ICC World Cup in England and Wales,” commented CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi. “We will be facing extremely tough competition in the tri-series in India with both our opponents set to include quite a lot of seasoned international players. This series will be ideal to broaden our talent pool.

“As far as the Proteas squad is concerned we have taken the strategic decision to rest Imran Tahir so that we can get a clearer picture as to who our best second spinner is to back him up at the World Cup,” explained Mr. Zondi. “Imran will be our first- choice spinner at the World Cup but, if we play him against Sri Lanka, it is unlikely that we will be able to play both Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.

“By taking this route, we will be able to play the two of them together. Tabraiz has been the outstanding bowler in franchise white ball cricket this past season. Keshav has been outstanding for us in red ball cricket and we need to give him the opportunity to show us what he can do at international level in the ODI format.”

There are two new caps in bizhub Highveld Lions batsman Reeza Hendricks and Multiply Titans fast bowler Junior Dala, who have both represented the Proteas in the T20 format. Young bizhub Highveld Lions all-rounder Wiaan Mulder also returns to the squad after missing the previous series against India.

The ODI squad will also do duty in the one-off T20 International match against Sri Lanka.

In addition to the tri-series squad the selectors have also named the South Africa A squad for the two four-day Test matches against India A.

First-time selections at SA A level are Hollywoodbets Dolphins batsman Sarel Erwee, bizhub Highveld Lions batsman Rassie van der Dussen and two young fast bowlers, Mthiwekhaya Nabe of the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras and Anrich Nortje of the Warriors.

Chris Morris could not be considered for any of the squads because of injury.

Proteas ODI squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Proteas tour to Sri Lanka 2018

July 4: SA arrive in Sri Lanka

July 7-8: Two-day practice match, P Sara Stadium, Colombo

July 12-16: 1st Test match, Galle

July 20-24: 2nd Test match, Colombo

July 26: One-day warm-up match

July 29: 1st ODI, Dambulla (Day match)

August 1: 2nd ODI, Dambulla (D/N)

August 5: 3rd ODI, Kandy (day match)

August 8: 4th ODI, Kandy (D/N)

August 12: 5th ODI, Colombo (D/N)

August 14: T20 International, Colombo (D/N)

- CSA