Van der Merwe receives ODI call

Roelof van der Merwe's 48 and useful left-arm spin earn him a 50-over Proteas call

Roelof van der Merwe has been rewarded for his man-of-the-match performance against Australia by being added to the South Africa one-day squad as cover for Jacques Kallis.

The Titans all-rounder blasted 48 in just 30 balls and claimed 1-30 in four overs of left-arm spin on debut as the Proteas completed a 2-0 Twenty20 series win over the tourists.

Kallis is considered doubtful for the opening match in the five-game series at Kingsmead on Friday, after being injured during the third Test in Cape Town.

Another player who will remain with the team for the opening two games is left-arm pace bowler Yusuf Abdullah, who also impressed by claiming 1-16 yesterday.

“Roelof as an all-rounder provides us with cover for Jacques Kallis, who is recovering from a groin injury,” said convenor of selectors Mike Procter.

“Jacques’ fitness will be assessed by our medical team when the squad assembles in Durban today.

“Although he is not part of the ODI squad, Yusuf Abdulla will practise with the Proteas this week to give him another opportunity to work within the national team environment.”

Procter also praised the pair as well as Robin Peterson, who made 34 as an opener, for their performances against the tourists.

He added: “Roelof, Yusuf Abdulla and Robin Peterson have all performed outstandingly from the opportunities they have been given, which is extremely encouraging.

“It enables us to broaden the base of our playing talent and gives us some exciting options when we select the squad for the ICC World Twenty20 in England in June.”