David has only played 16 List A matches in his career but averages 82.77 with a strike-rate of 123.14. Just one of those games has come in the Australian domestic scene with the others for Singapore and Surrey.
While it would seem unlikely that David will force his way into Australia’s ODI World Cup plans at such a late stage, it is seen as an opportunity to expose him to the 50-over game. A 15-player squad will be named next week but can be changed up to September 28.
“Tim is already here for the T20 series which offers an opportunity to see how his game can translate to the one-day format,” selector Tony Dodemaide said. “He will provide an extra option for us in that power role at the back end of an innings.”
David gave a full display of his power in the first T20I, dominating a fifth-wicket stand of 97 with new captain Mitchell Marsh which lifted Australia from 77 for 4 towards a huge total of 226 for 6.
“The great thing about Tim is he’s very level headed. He knows his role in T20 cricket can be inconsistent,” Marsh said. “But his ability to win us matches is why he’s in this team.
“We’ve got full faith. I want him to play however he wants to play every game. I know that if he does that, he’ll win us games. He’s an outstanding asset for Australian cricket.”
Australia ODI squad vs South Africa Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa