SA name new skipper for JLT Cup

Callum Ferguson will lead the West End Redbacks in their 2017-18 JLT One-Day Cup campaign this season, named captain in place of Australia limited-overs squad member Travis Head.

South Australia named their 14-player squad for the 50-over tournament on Tuesday, with Head, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson all absent due to Australia’s limited-overs tour of India.

However, the trio will be eligible for selection should the Redbacks qualify for the finals in Hobart.

There is an injury cloud over swing-bowler Chadd Sayers after he hurt a finger in a Redbacks League match on the weekend. Left-arm quick and rookie Spencer Johnson will replace Sayers in the squad.

Returning left-arm swing bowler Nick Winter has been named in the South Australia squad, while Kelvin Smith has been selected in the Redbacks’ 50-over side for the first time since making his first-class debut in 2013.

Head coach Jamie Siddons said he had his sights set on an improved campaign as the group continues to play and develop together.

“There are still some players that are quite raw but (Joe) Mennie, (Daniel) Worrall and these sorts of guys have been around a little bit now,” Siddons said.

“We’re looking for that little bit of improvement which should hold us in good stead throughout the tournament.

“Fergie (Callum Ferguson) will be taking the leadership again and it’s something we did last year and he did a great job and we’re looking forward to him doing that again and leading from the front with a lot runs and some really good field placements and captaincy.”

FULL SCHEDULE: JLT One-Day Cup

The Redbacks begin their JLT One-Day Cup campaign against the CA XI on Wednesday, September 27 at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field.

South Australia Redbacks JLT One-Day Cup squad: Callum Ferguson (c), Tom Andrews, Alex Carey, Tom Cooper, Michael Cormack, Jake Lehmann, Joe Mennie, Alex Ross, Chadd Sayers, Kelvin Smith, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Nick Winter, Daniel Worrall