Cape Town, Jan 20: South African bowler Dale Steyn will be rested for the remaining One Day International series against Sri Lanka as a part of the team’s player rotation policy. "We were always planning to experiment throughout the series and it’s important that we develop and grow players so that we have a squad of 16 or 17 players we can pick from at any time," Sport 24 quoted South Africa coach Gary Kirsten, as saying.
"It allows us to rotate better, and rest players, because we know that the guys coming in have got the experience and they’re equally as good,” he added.
His statement came after South Africa attained an unassailable lead 3-0 in ODI series against Sri Lanka, with the Proteas changing the middle-order batting line-up for every game.
South African bowler Wayne Parnell has been included in the side for the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka in Kimberley.
Kirsten confirmed that the rotation policy would continue for the remaining matches of the series.
"I just want to be comfortable with who our best closers are in the team, so we’re going to mix it up and rotate it a bit,” he said.
Sri Lanka has also made a few changes in the squad for the fourth game, with Mahela Jayawardene replacing Lahiru Thirimanne and off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake replacing the injured Ajantha Mendis.
© ANI
