Kallis included by Proteas

Injured all-rounder Jacques Kallis and uncapped leg-spinner Imran Tahir have been included in South Africa's 15-man squad for next month's World Cup.

Veteran wicketkeeper Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel miss out on selection, while Faf du Plessis is included just hours after playing his first ODI for South Africa.

Kallis is missing the ongoing ODI series with india as he recovers from a rib injury, but the Proteas selectors believe he will be fully fit to play in the World Cup, which takes place in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starting February 19.

Uncapped leg-spinner Tahir has just qualified to play for South Africa and goes straight into the squad alongside fellow spinners Robin Peterson and Johan Botha.

Morne van Wyk is the back-up wicketkeeper to AB de Villiers as veteran Boucher misses out.

Seven batsmen

"The squad consists of seven specialist batsmen, three specialist spin bowlers and four specialist seamers, with Morne van Wyk providing wicketkeeping cover as well as an extra top-order batting option,"said selection convener Andrew Hudson.

"In addition, Kallis provides an additional seam bowling option as do Du Plessis and JP Duminy in the spin bowling department.

"CSA's medical committee are happy with Kallis' progress and he will be ready to play a full role with both bat and ball from the start of the tournament.

"I am very happy with Faf du Plessis' debut and form. He gives us a leg-spinning option as well and is an outstanding fielder.

"The selection of three specialist spin bowlers is essential for the conditions we expect to encounter at the World Cup and it is not a worry that Tahir has not played an ODI yet.

"The conditions in South Africa have been more suited to seam bowling and his record in domestic cricket both in South Africa and England speaks for itself. We know exactly what he offers us."

Squad:Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel,

Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk.

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