Amla to lead Proteas against Australia, 3 ODIs and 2 T20s

The leading run getter of last season for South Africa, Hashim Amla will make his debut as South African captain in their upcoming T20 and ODI series against Australia.

Amla replaces injured AB de Villiers, was named captain in both limited-overs formats in June. AB de Villiers' the skipper has been ruled out for four and six weeks, after breaking a finger while practicing nets for Royal Challengers Bangalore during the CL T-20.

However, Amla as a standing, he never done captaincy duties before, Amla describes himself as more of a backroom guy. Selectors have showed faith in their in Amla and haded over the leadership role in both ODI and T20 format. Amla has only played 3 T20s for South Africa, but has plenty of experience in ODIs, playing 49 matches and is currently ranked the top batsman in the 50-over format.

Mark Boucher has been recalled for keeping duties as de Villiers' was injured and ruled out of Aussie series. Boucher has last played an ODI for South Africa in last year May against West Indies, he was left out of the squad that took part in the World Cup, Boucher has given a public statement saying that has desire to return to the limited-overs format of the game. 

Heino Kuhn was named wicketkeeper for the T20s while Morne van Wyk took part in the World Cup, has been excluded from both squads. David Miller replaces Colin Ingram. There are plenty of options in the bowling department; with all three spinners performed to their expected level has retained their places, but no space for Albie Morkel who will be playing in T-20’s only. Proteas will be able to go in with four specialist bowlers plus the back-up of Kallis, JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis.

The only new cap is in the T20 squad are Cobras’ Richard Levi. Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn are being rested in the T20 squad, Imran Tahir, has impressed everyone in World Cup, has not been included in the T20 squad.

Graeme Smith, stepped down as T20 captain in August last year and also from the captaincy duties in      ODI cricket after the World Cup, and batted for the first time in a competitive match after having knee surgery for the first time on, has been named in both squads.

ODI squad: Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Jacques Kallis, David Miller, Morne Morkel , Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

T20 squad: Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Heino Kuhn, Richard Levi, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell , Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Date	Match Details	Timings	Venue
Oct  13, Thu	SA vs. Aus, 1st T-20	16:00 GMT, 21:30 IST	Newlands, Cape Town
Oct 16, Sun	SA vs. Aus, 2nd T-20	12:30 GMT, 18:00 IST	The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Oct 19, Wed	SA vs. Aus, 1st ODI	12:30 GMT, 18:00 IST	SuperSport Park, Centurion
Oct 23, Sun	SA vs. Aus, 2nd ODI	08:30 GMT, 13:30 IST	St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
Oct 28, Fri	SA vs. Aus, 3rd ODI	12:30 GMT, 18:00 IST	Kingsmead, Durban
Nov 09 – Nov 13	SA vs. Aus, 1st Test	08:30 GMT, 13:30 IST	Newlands, Cape Town
Nov 17- Nov 21	SA vs. Aus, 2nd Test	08:30 GMT, 13:30 IST	The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg