South Africa player profiles

A look at South Africa's squad for the World Twenty20 in South Africa.

We look at South Africa's squad for the World Twenty20 in South Africa. Graeme Smith (captain)
The South Africa captain is an opening batsman capable of posting big scores at the top of the order. Smith has Twenty20 experience at English domestic level having captained Somerset to victory in the Twenty20 Cup in 2005, and averages over 86 in international Twenty20 cricket from five matches. Having had knee surgery in May the combative captain will hope to come back with a bang. Gulam Bodi
After a successful season for the Titans in the South African Pro20 competition, Bodi has been called up to the South Africa squad. With a strike rate of more than 113 in Twenty20 cricket, the opener could be a surprise threat at the top of the order playing alongside his captain. Having come close to an international call before, this will be Bodi's chance to cement his place in the South Africa side. Loots Bosman
Bosman received the player of the season award in Pro20 cricket last year after becoming the first batsman to hit a century in the competition. Having been part of the South Africa squad for the World Cup, the hard-hitting batsman will look to make more of an impact in this competition having only featured once in the West Indies. With an international Twenty20 50 to his name, the Eagles batsman will be looking to make a big impact. Mark Boucher
An experienced wicketkeeper who landed in hot water with the South Africa selectors after critiscising their decision to drop Jacques Kallis from the squad. Boucher is a gritty batsman who is one of the few experienced international players in the South Africa squad. The winner of last year's South Africa player of the year award, Boucher will have a key role to play if the Proteas are to progress on home soil. AB De Villiers
A stylish batsman and a fantastic fielder at backward point, this could be the tournamant where de Villiers finally becomes an integral part of the South Africa side. With a strike rate of more than 160 in Pro20 cricket, it is de Villiers' batting that has taken centre stage as the selectors keep faith with Boucher behind the stumps. JP Duminy
Yet another batsman who will be looking to cement a place in the South Africa side with a good showing in this tournament. A player of undoubted potential, Duminy has flattered to deceive in his international career to date but, at only 23, time is on the left-hander's side. Also capable of bowling tidy offbreaks Duminy could prove a useful squad member for the Proteas. Herschelle Gibbs
On his day is a destructive and inventive batsman who can take apart any bowling attack. And with 16 ODI international centuries to his name, Gibbs is one of the most talented batsman of his generation. Having made only seven Twenty20 appearances, Gibbs will need to improve his average of 12 if he is to have any impact on this tournament. Justin Kemp
One of the players who is crucial to South Africa's hopes in this competition, Kemp has honed his Twenty20 skills while playing for Kent. With a strike rate of over 125 with the bat in Twenty20 cricket, the all-rounder is capable of some lusty blows in the middle-order. Made his ODI debut in 2001 and now finds himself as one of the more experienced members of the squad. Albie Morkel
Widely regarded as a talented all-rounder, the time has come for Morkel to make an impact at international level. Despite a modest Twenty20 record with both bat and ball, this form of cricket appears made for his all-action style. Played alongside captain Graeme Smith at Somerset in 2005 but failed to make any real impact in county cricket. Morne Morkel
Joins his brother Albie in the South Africa squad, Morkel is a right-arm seamer who has enjoyed a good start to his fledgling international career. Has a good record in Twenty20 cricket, picking up 19 wickets at under 25. A genuine fast bowler capable of extracting bounce, Morkel could be the Proteas' death bowler. Makhaya Ntini
Despite a successful international career, Ntini has a poor record in Twenty20 cricket, with only seven wickets at 37.71. Having endured a horrendous World Cup - Ntini only picked up six wickets in seven games - the pressure is on the experienced paceman to peform if he is to keep his place in the South Africa side. If he manages to get back to his best, Ntini will be a handful for any batsman. Vernon Philander
Selected after an impressive season for the Cape Cobras - in one day cricket he averaged 70 with the bat and 30 with the ball - and a successful start to his ODI career during South Africa's tour of Ireland. In 2004 he had a short spell with Devon and played in their famous C&G Trophy win over Leicestershire, a match in which he took the wicket of Australia international batsman Brad Hodge. Shaun Pollock
Despite a wealth of experience at first-class level, Pollock has played very little Twenty20 cricket. In his 14 Twenty20 appearances to date he has only eight wickets although he has a handy record with the bat, boasting an average of over 27. He is the first South African bowler to pick up 400 Test wickets, his accuracy and lack of pace could be an advantage in this form of cricket. Thandi Tshabalala
An offspiner who made his ODI debut against Ireland in Stormont earlier this year. However, it is in domestic Twenty20 cricket that Tschabalala has made his name by becoming the leading wicket-taker in both the first two seasons of Pro20 cricket. Still learning his trade, South Africa's lack of spin options means he has been fasttracked into international cricket. Johan van der Wath
The hard-hitting all-rounder is capable of adding quick runs in the middle order as he proved during his spell in county cricket with Sussex. Van der Wath also has impressive Twenty20 bowling figures, picking up 30 wickets at under 26, comparing favourably with the record of his fellow South Africa seam bowlers. Out of international cricket for a year, he will be hoping to impress for the Proteas.