Kallis recalled to South Africa squad for ODIs

Ageing all-rounder to return after two years and will play in home series against Pakistan and India.

Jacques Kallis could still be considered when South Africa's 2015 World Cup squad is picked. Prakash Singh / AFP

CAPE TOWN // Jacques Kallis, the all-rounder, will return to South Africa’s one-day side for the first time in almost two years after being named in a 14-man squad for matches against Pakistan and India, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Thursday.

The 38-year-old Kallis, who has 321 one-day international caps, last played in the 50-over format for South Africa against New Zealand in February 2012. His return means Twenty20 captain Faf du Plessis drops out of the ODI squad.

“As well as Ryan McLaren and Wayne Parnell have done as emerging all-rounders, it is very welcome news to have Jacques back as our premium all-rounder,” CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson said in a statement.

“There is no substitute for the experience he brings to the game,” Hudson added.

“We have a number of young batting talents in the squad such as Quinton de Kock and David Miller and the more experience they have around them, the better it will be for their development.”

Graeme Smith, the Test captain, also returns to the squad after recovering from a head injury suffered in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, where South Africa beat Pakistan 4-1 in a five-match limited-overs series.

The return series in South Africa starts in Cape Town on Sunday, with two more matches in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria next week.

South Africa then play World Cup winners India on December 5 (Johannesburg), December 8 (Durban) and December 11 (Pretoria).