South Africa vs Pakistan: Dale Steyn, Quinton de Kock rested as Proteas announce 14-man squad for first two ODIs

South Africa have rested fast bowler Dale Steyn and wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock for the first two One-Day Internationals of the five-match series against Pakistan, starting 19 January. The Proteas have roped in pacer Duanne Olivier, who is riding high on confidence after being named the Player of the Series in South Africa’s 3-0 clean sweep over Pakistan in Tests. Opener Aiden Markram too finds a place in the 14-member squad. [caption id=“attachment_5913281” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Dale Steyn (L) and Quinton de Kock have been rested for first ODIs against Pakistan. AFP[/caption] Heinrich Klaasen will take the wicket-keeping duties having previously been selected in the squad as a batsman and back-up to the De Kock. The rest could not have come at a better time for speedster Steyn, who had left the field during the second day of the third Test, clutching his right shoulder. With the Proteas are looking to assemble a squad for the World Cup in England, the first two ODIs will provide Markram an opportunity to make an impression after having managed 407 runs in 16 matches at 25.43 in ODI cricket. While Oiliver would be looking to make an early mark and shine in his debut ODI series. The first ODI will be played at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 19 January followed by the second at Kingsmead in Durban on 22 January. Squad: Faf du Plessis(c), Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Duanne Olivier