Philander is set to make his ODI comeback after recovering from a hamstring injury

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa pace bowler Vernon Philander has returned to the ODI squad after he missed the recent ODI tri-series against Zimbabwe and Australia with a hamstring injury.

Philander will replace Mthokozisi Shezi, and is set to accompany South Africa on their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

It has also been announced that all-rounder Ryan McLaren has recovered from a broken forearm and Jean Paul (JP) Duminy has undergone a successful rehabilitation programme for his knee injury.

However, the Proteas are still worried about pace bowler Morne Morkel and left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell as they are both struggling with shoulder injuries at the moment.

But, if Morkel and Parnell are ruled out, South Africa have already brought in replacements in the form of Rilee Rossouw, Kagiso Rabada, Reeza Hendricks, Farhaan Behardien and David Wiese.

It is also understood that Duminy will lead South Africa in the three-match Twenty20 series against Australia since the national selectors have decided to rest regular captain Faf du Plessis for that portion of the series.

“We are very happy with the progress and momentum the team has established over the last couple of months, first in Sri Lanka and then in Zimbabwe,” Cricket South Africa’s convener of selectors, Andrew Hudson, said. “It is the only opportunity we have to ease their workload in what is going to be a very busy and intense summer season.”