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Where is McLaren? asks Fanie

Cape Town - Former fast bowler Fanie de Villiers says he cannot understand why all-rounder Ryan McLaren did not make South Africa's World Cup squad.

The 15-man Proteas squad was unveiled on Wednesday, with McLaren a notable absentee.

Wayne Parnell was preferred as all-rounder for the showpiece event in Australia and New Zealand.

In in interview with Netwerk24, De Villiers said he was stunned when he saw that McLaren's name was not among the 15 chosen for the tournament Down Under.

"Ryan was one of the team's stalwarts over the last 18 months. He could be the team's rock in pressure situations," said De Villiers.

De Villiers said he would not have opted for Parnell.

"You simply have to look at the figures. Ryan may have struggled in Australia (South Africa lost their last ODI series 4-1 there), but the statistics show he is a more reliable option. Between him and Wayne, who would you pick to play for your child's life? I know what my answer would be," continued De Villiers.

McLaren, 31, has represented the Proteas in 54 ODIs. He has taken 77 wickets at an average of 27.29, with an economy rate of 5.24. He has scored 485 runs at an average of 18.65 and a strike rate of 71.32.

Parnell, 25, has played 43 ODIs, taking 59 wickets at an average of 30.20, with an economy rate of 5.51. He has scored 344 runs at an average of 22.93 and a strike rate of 78.71.

Proteas World Cup squad:

AB de Villiers (Titans, captain), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras, vice-captain), Kyle Abbott (Dolphins), Farhaan Behardien (Titans), Quinton de Kock (Highveld Lions), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Imran Tahir (Dolphins), David Miller (Dolphins), Morne Morkel (Titans), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Aaron Phangiso (Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Rilee Rossouw (Knights), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras)
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