South African cricket selectors have reacted swiftly to the Proteas’ loss in the second Test by making decisive changes to the squad that will face Australia in the third and final match starting in Cape Town next week.
Ashwell Prince rejoins the squad, while Nashua Dolphins opening batsman Imraan Khan and powerful all-rounder Wayne Parnell of the Chevrolet Warriors have also been roped in.
Neil McKenzie and Morne Morkel have been dropped following a series of poor performances.
Prince takes over the captaincy from the injured Graeme Smith and partner Khan in opening the batting.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, convener of selectors Mike Proctor said the selectors felt that it made more sense to make one change rather than reshuffle the top order.
Proctor added that while Prince has never opened the batting at Test level, he was no stranger to the new ball having batted successfully at the top of the order for years.
Proctor said Prince was delighted to be back in the side after sustaining an injury in Australia in December 2008 and then losing his place to JP Duminy in the first two Tests back home.
Khan who has been prolific all season, scoring three centuries in the Supersport series, gets his chance at the highest level. With more than 600 runs and an average of more than 60, Khan deserves the recognition.
In other developments, Cricket South Africa also named a 15-man squad for the Standard Bank Pro20 Internationals. There were no major surprises except the inclusion of Nashua Dolphins left arm opening bowler Yusuf Abdalla and Nashua Titans star Roelof van der Merwe into the squad. Both Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini will be rested during the Pro20 matches.