Philander, Hendricks Ruled Out of South Africa Squad for Tri-Series

South Africa will be without the services of bowlers Vernon Philander and Beuran Hendricks for the upcoming triangular series in Zimbabwe, also involving Australia.

Right-arm medium pacer Philander misses out with a hamstring injury, while left-arm seamer Hendricks has been sidelined with a back problem.

The year 2014 has not been the best for Philander so far. The medium pacer did not do well against the touring Australians as only seven wickets came his way at an average above 50.

To make matters worse, the 29-year-old pleaded guilty to a ball-tampering charge in the recently contested series against Sri Lanka. His performances against the Lankans were not up to scratch as he scalped only two batsmen in the two-Test series and just three in the ODI series.

In Philander's absence, South African selectors have chosen right-arm pacer Kyle Abbott to go up against the Aussies and the Zimbabweans. Meanwhile, Mthokozisi Shezi, the left-arm medium pacer, finds a place in the squad as well, after Hendricks was ruled out.

Shezi had made his debut in the last match of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe on Thursday.

"Kyle impressed in the three matches he played against Zimbabwe while Mthokozisi, who also did well on his debut today, is a like-for-like replacement for Beuran," Sky Sports quoted Cricket South Africa selection head Andrew Hudson as saying.

Surprisingly, speedster Marchant de Lange was not picked for the series, especially after he impressed in the game against Zimbabwe with three wickets.

"It was also pleasing to see Marchant de Lange resume his international career so well after a lengthy injury break and he underlines the tremendous depth we have to our fast bowling resources at the moment," Hudson pointed out.

Philander apart, the regulars have been chosen. Pacers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, who were rested against Zimbabwe, will make a comeback in the tri-series. Left-handed batsman Rilee Rossouw, who made his debut against Zimbabwe on Thursday, has been selected as well.

The first match of the series will be played between Australia and Zimbabwe on 25 August. The series kicks off for South Africa against Australia two days later.

Full squad:

AB de Villiers [captain], Hashim Amla [vice captain], Kyle Abbott , Quinton de Kock [wicketkeeper], JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Rilee Rossouw, Mthokozisi Shezi, Dale Steyn