Diamond Eagles all-rounder Ryan McClaren is the only new cap in the Proteas' team for tomorrow's friendly One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe at Willowmore Park in Benoni. McClaren was originally scheduled to make his debut last year in the ODI's against Kenya and Bangladesh but withdrew because of commitments to England county Kent. 

Notable omissions from the team are all rounder Jacques Kallis, batsman JP Duminy and fast bowler Wayne Parnell. The three are all injured. Fast bowler Charl Langeveldt and batsman Alviro Pietersen are back after a year's absence. McClaren and Pietersen are part of the new-look middle order.

Proteas captain Graeme Smith reckons there is something to gain from the Zimbabwe outing. The skipper says they will use the game for the team to sharpen their skills and to also get in shape.

The two games against Zimbabwe are part of their preparations for the home series against England. The visitors trounced the Eagles by 185 runs in warm up match. The Proteas will certainly hope for clearer skies tomorrow, as parts of the outfield are still water logged because of overnight rain.