Wiese ignoring the hype but wants ODI spot

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South Africa allrounder David Wiese is ignoring the hype about his selection for the Proteas ODI squad but knows he has an opportunity too stake a claim for a permanent place in the 50-over format.

A regular in the T20 internationals, Wiese is likely to earn his first cap in the ODI side and fill the problematic allrounders slot that has been plaguing the Proteas since Shaun Pollock retired in 2008.

The Roodepoort-born player is in the Proteas' squad that will take on New Zealand in two T20 and three ODIs, with the first T20I taking place in Durban on Friday.

Wiese said: "There has been a lot of hype and a lot has been said but in my mind it is all about just stepping out onto the field and just doing my best and contributing to the team.

"If things go well and it works out well for the team then I will be blessed and fortunate. At this stage I just want to take it a game at a time and just focus on doing what I have been doing."

The South Africa team will miss the services of JP Duminy for all the matches against the Black Caps due to paternity leave, making Wiese's role in the side more important.

The Titans allrounder continued: "It opens up opportunities for other guys. JP has been solid filling that batting allrounder spot, always reliable for a couple of overs and now we need to find that somewhere else.

"Someone has to step up and bowl his quota of overs and I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity of doing that."

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