Another significant inclusion is that of Nashua Cape Cobras all-rounder Rory Kleinveldt whose only previous appearance for the Proteas was in the International Pro20 against Bangladesh in 2008.

Two players – Wayne Parnell of the Chevrolet Warriors and Justin Kemp of the Nashua Cape Cobras – were not considered because of injury.

Charl Langeveldt of the Nashua Cape Cobras and Loots Bosman of the Nashua Dolphins, who were not available for the 2009 World Twenty20, also feature in the squad.

Proteas’ Standard Bank Pro20 squad: Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors, vice-capt), Lungile Bosman (Nashua Dolphins), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras), Rory Kleinveldt (Nashua Cape Cobras), Charl Langeveldt (Nashua Cape Cobras), Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans), Morne Morkel (Nashua Titans), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Juan Theron (Chevrolet Warriors), Roelof van der Merwe (Nashua Titans).

“I am delighted that we have Graeme Smith back from injury to lead us in this campaign,” commented coach Corrie van Zyl who was involved in the selection process for the first time since taking charge of the Proteas.

“At the same time it is sad to lose players of the calibre of Wayne Parnell and Justin Kemp.

“Rory Kleinveldt will be a good like for like replacement for Parnell. He is capable of opening the bowling or operating at first change and he has also been a regular death bowler for the Cobras which is an important area for us.

“Rory also gives us some good batting options down the order,” he added.

“Rusty Theron has impressed everybody both with his skills and his temperament both in domestic cricket and in the Indian Premier League. He was a key player for the Warriors in doing the domestic limited overs double, Van Zyl concluded.”

The Proteas play warm-up matches against Sri Lanka on April 27 and England on April 28, both at the Kensington Oval. Their pool matches are against India at Beausejour (St. Lucia) on May 2 and Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval on May 5.

The tournament proper starts on April 30 with the final set down for May 16.