Ontong earns recall for one-dayers
Justin Ontong, the South Africa allrounder, has earned a recall for the Twenty20 international and the first of five ODIs against West Indies
Cricinfo staff
14-Jan-2008
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Justin Ontong, the South Africa allrounder, has earned a recall for the Twenty20 international and the first of five ODIs against West Indies.
Ontong, who last played for South Africa in 2005, has so far scored 518 runs for the Lions in the SuperSport Series at an average of 37.00. However, he hasn't done much with the ball for his team this season.
The selectors named a squad of 15 for both the Twenty20 international and the first ODI. Ontong is expected to take the place of Herschelle Gibbs for the first ODI, since Gibbs has opted out due to personal reasons. AB de Villiers will open the batting. Chief selector Joubert Strydom said that a bigger squad was needed due to the injury concern over Charl Langeveldt, who is suffering from a foot injury.
"Justin has been in good form this season and deserves to be rewarded with a call-up. He has made a lot of runs including his century for South Africa A against the West Indies," Strydom said. "He also is the complete package for limited-overs cricket, being an outstanding fielder and a more than capable bowler."
Morne Morkel's return to full fitness sees him gain a place in the squad. Morkel suffered an injury in his left foot during the tour to Pakistan and was out of action for over three months.
South Africa squad:
Graeme Smith (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Justin Ontong, Mark Boucher (wk), Shaun Pollock, Albie Morkel, Johan Botha, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Charl Langeveldt
Graeme Smith (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Justin Ontong, Mark Boucher (wk), Shaun Pollock, Albie Morkel, Johan Botha, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Charl Langeveldt