Kallis to lead SA squad for Ireland

Johannesburg, June 8 (UNI) Veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis will lead a 14-member South Africa squad to play against India and Ireland in Belfast later this month in place of Graeme Smith who is recuperating from a surgery.

South Africa will play Ireland on June 24 before playing India on June 26 and 29 and July 1.

Star all-rounder Shaun Pollock, who hit his maiden ODI hundred in the Afro-Asia Cup in Bangalore on Wednesday, has also been left out in line with CSA's policy to 'carefully manage' workload of top players.

Smith was not considered for the tour because he recently underwent surgery on his left knee, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said.

''Graeme and Shaun are key players and need to be carefully managed before the start of another demanding season.

''The selectors want to use this tour as an opportunity to introduce some new players into the Proteas one-day squad,'' Haroon Lorgat, national convenor of selectors, said while announcing the squad.

''Following the World Cup and the timing of this tour it is an ideal time to develop new talent as we prepare for the future,'' he added.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn and batsman Morne van Wyk make a comeback in the Proteas ODI squad. Others who return to the squad are left handed batsman JP Duminy, all-rounder Vernon Philander and right arm spin bowler Thandi Tshabalala.

The team will leave for Ireland on June 20.

Squad: Jacques Kallis (Capt), Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Thandi Tshabalala, Morne van Wyk Tour Fixture: June 23: 1st ODI India Vs Ireland June 24: 2nd ODI South Africa Vs Ireland June 26: 3rd ODI India Vs South Africa June 29: 4th ODI India Vs South Africa July 1: India Vs South Africa UNI