Elgar added to South Africa ODI squad as Amla replacement

The experienced opener, who has not featured for South Africa in an ODI since he faced India in Mumbai in October 2015, replaces Hashim Amla, who has been ruled out of the series due to a finger injury.

South Africa Manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee confirmed that “Hashim sustained a tear to the tendon in his left fifth digit while fielding during the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League. The injury will need up to three weeks to heal making him unavailable for the series against Zimbabwe".

The Cricket South Africa (CSA) medical committee also confirmed that skipper Faf du Plessis is yet to make a full recovery from his shoulder injury and will be given more time to recuperate, with JP Duminy leading the team during his absence.

Linda Zondi, the CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener, says Elgar’s recent form and experience will boost South Africa’s top order.

“We have said that the Zimbabwe series is an opportunity to further explore our ODI options and the unfortunate injury to Hashim gives us an opportunity to see what Dean is capable of in the limited-overs format,” he said.

“He has always been on our radar having put in consistent performances both in South Africa and the UK, and brings a wealth of valuable experience to the batting group in Hashim and Faf’s absence.”