Sisanda Magala has been named in South Africa's 16-man squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against England at home. Magala had been omitted from the national squad last year after failing to meet fitness standards and, more recently, had to miss domestic games for his province in the CSA T20 Challenge.
Magala has worked on his fitness since and picked wickets in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge late last year. He has also impressed playing for Eastern Cape in the ongoing SA20.
"We are also pleased with the inclusion of Sisanda and the commitment he has shown to meet the fitness standards required for national selection," Convener of Selectors Victor Mpitsang said.
ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen
The squad, which also features Marco Jansen, will be overseen by recently appointed red-ball coach Shukri Conrad. Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said, "Shukri will oversee the series in consultation with Rob (Walter), who is currently in New Zealand as he prepares to assume his role ahead of the start of his tenure as limited-overs coach, which comes into effect from 01 February."
South Africa are yet to qualify for the World Cup in India later this year, and this three-match rubber against England forms a crucial part of their final push.
"The selection panel is particularly excited by the depth of this squad, with a mix of youth and experience. We are confident that this group of players will take us one step closer to qualifying for the ICC Men's World Cup in India later this year," Mpitsang further said. "The three-match series against England will kickstart our international home season following months on the road, and we would like to wish Temba and Shukri well in what will no doubt be an exciting series against quality opposition."
The Proteas squad will assemble in Bloemfontein from 24-25 January, with the first ODI scheduled for January 27 at the Mangaung Oval in the city.