What’s the story?
South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi admitted that his omission from the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 squad came as “bit of a shock” but is confident of his team’s chances of bringing the trophy home.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, the 27-year-old said: “Naturally, it is quite disappointing not to be selected. It did come as a bit of a shock but whatever's done is done, I'm fully behind the team and I know they can go out there and win the Champions Trophy. The squad that we have is quite strong and I'm looking forward to watching the boys bring the trophy back home for the people of South Africa.
When asked about the key player for South Africa, Shamsi was quick to add that it was "all 15 of the guys”.
"I'm not just saying that for the sake of it, if you look at the names on that list, every single one of those players is a quality player," he added. "On any given day we have a lot of matchwinners in the South African team and that's why I'm really positive and looking forward to the Champions Trophy.”
Extra Cover: ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Full Team Squads
In case you didn’t know...
Despite taking part in South Africa's last ODI series, against New Zealand, Tabraiz Shamsi was overlooked in favor of uncapped Keshav Maharaj as South Africa named the squad for the tournament that starts on June 1.
The heart of the matter
After picking up seven wickets in his five ODIs at an economy rate of under 5, the 27-year-old can certainly count himself unlucky to have missed out on a Champions Trophy spot. In conditions that aren’t generally conducive to spin bowling, the Proteas went for the uncapped Keshav Maharaj owing to his all-round ability ahead of the chinaman, who has been impressive in his limited opportunities.
Extra Cover: ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Schedule: Full time table with venue ground details, PDF download
What’s next?
Several members of the squad, including the likes of Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada are in a camp ahead of the three-match ODI series against England before the Champions Trophy. The Proteas begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Sri Lanka on June 3 and then play Pakistan on June 7 and India on June 11.
Author’s Take
Despite his impressive performances for the Proteas, Shamsi can certainly count himself unlucky to not have made the squad for the Champions Trophy. The fact that he is a chinaman bowler and offers variety of flat surfaces in England make his omission all the more surprising. However, the Proteas, who will be led by AB de Villiers, do have a strong squad and will be strong contenders for the tournament.
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