 England announced their 15-member squad for the ICC World T20. There were a couple
of surprises in the side including that of the inclusion of the wicket-keeper
Craig Kieswetter, who will replace Matt Prior in the side.
Kieswetter is a South African born wicket-keeper and a very hard hitter of
the ball. He had recently made his ODI debut and played three ODIs against Bangladesh.
He smashed a century in the final ODI to pick up his ticket for the tour.
Geoff Miller, the nationalselector said, "Craig has improved over time
and his selection indicates real competition for places which is only healthy
for the England team. Despite missing selection for this format of the
game Matt Prior very much remains in the England set-up and a part of our plans"
Apart from him, the English side will also see Ravi Bopara, Michael
Lumb and Michael Yardy in the squad. Bopara and Lumb are currently a part of
the Indian Premier League whereas Yardy is a Sussex captain who had played in
the Champions League T20 last year.
England's pace bowling will consist of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, with
Tim Bresnan as the third seamer. Ajmal Shahzad and Ryan Sidebottom are
the other two pace bowlers in the squad. The spinners consist of James Tredwell
and Graeme Swann apart from Yardy.
Jonathan Trott and Joe Denly have both been given the axe from the side. England
are placed in Group D alongside hosts West Indies and Ireland.
South Africa have also announced their 15 member team for the tournament. While
Graeme Smith has recovered enough from his injury to be able to lead his side,
Wayne Parnell continues to be injured and will miss the tournament.
Juan Theron and Rory Kleinveldt are the two relatively new faces in the South Africa side. Theron is currently a part of the IPL playing for the Kings
XI Punjab and was instrumental in Punjab's only win in the tournament so far.
Justin Kemp also misses out due to the injury he sustained during the IPL.
The South African squad will captain the side, and Jacques Kallis, the
current Orange Cap holder in the IPL will be the vice-captain. Despite his poor
bowling form, Albie Morkel gets another chance to feature in the game, while
there is place for both the out of form batsmen, JP Duminy and Herschelle Gibbs.
South Africa are in the same group as India and Afghanistan.
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