T20s a chance to push for World Cup spots - Duminy

JP Duminy, who will lead South Africa for the first time in the T20 internationals against Australia, has said that the three-match series is a chance for players to stake claims for World Cup spots.

"These T20 games are important, especially in our squad where there are quite a few new faces," Duminy said ahead of South Africa's training session in Sydney. "It's a great opportunity for guys to put up their hands with the World Cup ahead. Yes, it's a shorter format, but these sort of performances can give them a chance."

Russell Domingo, the South Africa coach, said that the team was also looking to give some time in the middle ahead of the ODIs to a few players who had been short on it. "Whatever momentum we can get from the T20 series to carry into the ODI series will be important," Domingo said. "A couple of fringe players in the one-day side haven't had a lot of game time, guys like Kyle Abbott, Wayne Parnell and Ryan McLaren. It's important that they get some game time ahead of the ODI series."

South Africa have rested several first-choice players for the T20s, and Duminy said that meant opportunities for those who had impressed in domestic cricket. "The guys that have been picked for the series have been putting in some outstanding work in the domestic scene back home," Duminy said. "They deserve their call-up; even though there are some guys who are being rested for the series. It's a great opportunity for them to stake a claim within the Proteas' set-up."

Duminy said he was "excited but nervous" about his upcoming first stint as captain. "I'm very excited but nervous as well," Duminy said. "It's a great opportunity for me. I've been part of the leadership group for just over a year and it's great to be given the opportunity to lead from the front; hopefully I can do a good job."

The first T20 will be played in Adelaide on November 5 before the five-match ODI series begins in Perth on November 14.