South Africa omit big names from men's T20 World Cup squad

The old guard including Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Chris Morris are all overlooked for the three-week tournament

South Africa have resisted from recalling any of their old guard for the men's T20 World Cup starting next month.

Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Chris Morris were all available for selection but have each been overlooked.

All three are scheduled to play in the Indian Premier League.

Temba Bavuma will captain the group despite leaving the Sri Lanka tour with a broken thumb.

Bavuma has undergone surgery and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the tournament being held in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

🇿🇦 Your 18-man extended #T20World #Proteas squad heading to the ICC Men's #T20WorldCup!#BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/KD9DZPWQOe

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) September 9, 2021

Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin lead the spin contingent, but George Linde is only named as a reserve.

The Proteas kick-off their preparations in a three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka starting on Friday. Their tournament campaign begins against Australia on October 23.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen,, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

Reserves: George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lizaad Williams