De Villiers plots final 15

Captain AB de Villiers is eager to see South Africa's squad for next year's World Cup more or less finalised, after this month's three ODIs against Zimbabwe – and limited-overs tri-series with Australia.

Captain AB de Villiers is eager to see South Africa's squad for next year's World Cup more or less finalised, after this month's three ODIs against Zimbabwe – and limited-overs tri-series with Australia.

Fast bowlers Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel have been rested for the first leg of the tour, affording a bench strength lined with the services of the uncapped Mthokozisi Shezi, recalled Marchant de Lange and inexperienced Kyle Abbott to impress.

"This series is part of preparing to get to that perfect 15 eventually, and make sure we don't go to the World Cup with the wrong 15. So, we'll see some new faces in this series, and then I think with the triangular series we'll try and get our best 11 on the field and our best 15 in the squad," said de Villiers.

The Proteas have been pooled with India, Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland, United Arab Emirates and the Zimbabweans at the 2015 World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 14 February to 29 March.

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