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Calls for SA to rest Steyn and Philander

TO EARN the approval of former selectors when he names SA's squads today to play limited-overs series in New Zealand and Australia in October and November, Andrew Hudson should mention Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander only to explain why they have not cracked the nod.

For former selector Rushdie Magiet, Steyn - who was rested on Cricket SA orders from being part of the Cape Cobras squad at the Champions League T20 in India - should keep his feet up.

"If the selectors have questions about some guys, they should include them to see for themselves whether they should be in the side," Hugh Page said yesterday.

"The dead 'certs', those who could do with a break - someone like Dale Steyn - leave them out and make sure they are fresh."

SA host West Indies in three tests, five ODIs and three T20s this summer, and Steyn is likely to play in most of them. Then it's off to the 2015 World Cup in Australasia.

"The New Zealand and Aussie tours are going to be the best opportunity to see players in the conditions they will be playing in at the World Cup," said Page.

 

Former selection convenor Magiet had another fast bowler on his mind.

"Our batting is very strong and our attack is good, too - especially when Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn both play and if the spinner bowls well," he said yesterday.

"But I don't know about Vernon Philander. He's a fantastic test bowler, but I don't think he is the answer as a one-day bowler."

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