SA stars rested for Zim series

All-rounder Jacques Kallis will be rested for South Africa’s forthcoming home ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting February 25.

Kallis, who couldn’t produce the same results in the recently concluded series against England, as he had all through the last year, was given the option to recharge the batteries, which he gladly took. He is most likely to be replaced by Boeta Dippenaar.

Apart from Kallis, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini too have showed desire to skip a few matches, so that the rest can help them get back fresh for the vital tour of the Carribean starting next month.

Haroon Lorgat, the convener of selectors, told a news website, “I spoke to the four senior players – captain Graeme Smith, Kallis, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini. I asked them if they wanted to be given a rest period for the entire tour or if they wanted to play in some matches. A decision was taken to rest Kallis in the one-day series, but he will play in the Tests. The others will play in some of the matches.”

Pollock and Ntini are likely to be replaced by Charl Langeveldt and Monde Zondeki in the 14-man squad for the ODI series, which is expected to be announced today.