Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Sunday (February 24) announced their 14-man squad for the first three games of the upcoming five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. And it paved way for the comeback of Lungi Ngidi after an injury lay-off, while pacer Anrich Nortje got rewarded for the very first time. 

Ngidi, who suffered a knee injury for which he went through surgery in November 2018, had been sidelined for three months. The tall right-arm pacer has featured in four Tests, 13 ODIs and seven T20Is so far at the highest level. 

"It is great to have Lungi back in the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines caused by the injury he suffered in the white ball series in Australia last year," CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi was quoted saying. 

"His recent form for the Titans in the Momentum One-Day Cup has been most impressive and he is clearly match-fit for international cricket again."

Nortje, on the other hand, impressed one and all with his outstanding performances in the Mzansi Super League (MSL) last year. But not many would be aware that he has a very good record in first-class as well as List A cricket in South Africa. 

The 25-year-old has picked up 162 wickets in 47 first-class games at an average of 25.72 besides tallying 43 wickets from 28 outings at 24.04 in 50-over matches at that level. 

"Anrich has also come back well from injury and we want to see what he can offer the Proteas after his highly impressive form in the Mzansi Super League. Outright pace is not something that you can coach, and he looks another exciting addition to our pace arsenal," Zondi added. 

The first ODI will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on March 3.

South Africa's squad for first three ODIs:- Faf du Plessis (capt), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen. 

(Inputs from AFP)