Dean Elgar and Christiaan Jonker start as the Proteas bowl first in the first ODI against Zimbabwe at the Diamond Oval.

In the first match of a series that Ottis Gibson has labelled as a chance for him to further analyse the newer additions in his squad, the Proteas take on a nation who have only two victories in 38 ODI meetings against them.

ALSO READ: Memory lane: When Zimbabwe beat Proteas

The conversation surrounding Dean Elgar’s call-up to the national side was split all week, but silenced by the team selection as the 31-year-old was slotted in as opener alongside Aiden Markram.

A debut for Warriors big-hitter Christiaan Jonker was also on the cards as he was selected at No 6.

There was no place for Dale Steyn in the starting lineup as the Proteas opted for two all-rounders in Wiaan Mulder and Andile Phehlukwayo.

Proteas XI: 

1. Aiden Markram
2. Dean Elgar
3. Reeza Hendricks
4. JP Duminy (c)
5. Heinrich Klassen
6. Christiaan Jonker
7. Wiaan Mulder
8. Andile Phehlukwayo
9. Kagiso Rabada
10. Lungi Ngidi
11. Imran Tahir

Zimbabwe XI: 

1. Hamilton Masakadza (c)
2. Solomon Mire
3. Brendan Taylor
4. Craig Ervine
5. Sean Williams
6. Peter Moor
7. Elton Chigumbura
8. Brandon Mavuta
9. Kyle Jarvis
10.Wellington Masakadza
11. Tendai Chatara