JOHANNESBURG, July 25: Middle-order batsman Neil McKenzie has been left out of South Africa’s squad for a triangular one-day tournament in Morocco next month.

The 26-year-old, a key member of South Africa’s top order and potential future captain, was not in the 15-man squad announced by the United Cricket Board (UCB) on Thursday.

Boeta Dippenaar, who has scored 984 runs at an average of 42.78 in 34 one-day internationals, gets another chance to establish himself in the side.

McKenzie’s less than convincing performances against spin bowling could have cost him his place, especially with the South Africans facing Sri Lanka and Pakistan on what are expected to be turning pitches.

Veteran seamer Steve Elworthy also missed out on selection after making the preliminary squad, while all-rounder Justin Kemp has failed to recover from ankle surgery.

“As the selection panel, we had to take into account aspects like fitness, conditions and the needs of the coach and his team,” convenor of selectors Omar Henry said.

“Of the 18 man provisional squad we named, Neil McKenzie and Steve Elworthy were unfortunate to miss out this time, but both are very much in the frame.”

The tournament will be played in Tangiers from August 12 to 21.

South Africa squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Paul Adams, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Boeta Dippenaar, Allan Donald, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Gary Kirsten, Lance Klusener, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Jonty Rhodes, Graeme Smith, Roger Telemachus.—Reuters