JOHANNESBURG: Justin Ontong will lead the South African Invitation XI against Pakistan in the four-day tour opener which takes place at Buffalo Park, East London, from Jan 25-28.

“We were not able to consider players from either the Titans or the Highveld Lions as they will be playing their outstanding Sunfoil Series match over the same weekend, which is why it will be a South African Invitation XI rather than South Africa A," commented coach Vincent Barnes.

“It is nevertheless a very strong team drawn from the other four franchises and includes five players who have represented the Proteas across the various formats.

“We have achieved a balance between established franchise players who have been doing well in the Sunfoil Series as well as giving an opportunity to younger players who have shown promise.

Wayne Parnell is making good progress on his rehab program and is expected to be fit in time for the game.

SA Invitation XI: Justin Ontong (Cape Cobras, captain), Kyle Abbott (Dolphins), Cody Chetty (Dolphins), Ayabulela Gqamane (Warriors), Simon Harmer (Warriors), Beuran Hendricks (Cape Cobras), Davy Jacobs (Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Andrew Puttick (Cape Cobras), Vaughn van Jaarsveld (Dolphins), Stiaan van Zyl (Cape Cobras), Dane Vilas (Cape Cobras).—Agencies