Maharaj last played an ODI in 2018. © BCCI

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been called into South Africa's ODI squad for the first time since 2018 and will be part of the 15-man squad named to take on Australia in the three-match series that tailgates the ongoing T20I series.

Faf du Plessis, who wasn't part of the ODI series against England, continues to be given "further rest," a CSA release said. The same applies for other senior players like Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius.

Squad: Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Temba Bavuma, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Beuran Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Jon-Jon Smuts, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Verreynne
"With the completion of the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the next one being three years away from now, we always saw the series against England and Australia as an opportunity to play some fresh talent," head coach Mark Boucher said. "If we feel that we need to rest players, we will, as we have done in the recent past.

"Faf (du Plessis) has been fantastic for us in white-ball cricket and remains very much in our ODI plans and we will manage his workload for the near future diligently. I would like to strengthen our depth pool right now and see what players we have out there. I feel that this is the time and opportunity to do so."

Independent selector Luke Zondi pointed to Keshav Maharaj's domestic white-ball performance for his recall into the side. "We are pleased to call up Keshav (Maharaj) who has done really well with the white ball over an extended period of time in the domestic franchise competitions of CSA. His experience, the extra spin option he provides us as well as the added contributions he makes with the bat and with fielding will be welcomed additions to the team," he said.

"We are excited to see what will come from the selections we have made ahead of this latest series against Australia. It is again another young squad that sees the absence of some senior players in Faf, Rassie (van der Dussen) and Dwaine (Pretorius), while we balance the workloads of individuals ahead of an extremely busy year and a bit for the Proteas men. At the same time, it is a good opportunity to give younger and less experienced players an opportunity to show us what they've got to offer when the spotlight is fully on them. We have every confidence in their capabilities and potential, which is why we have backed them to take on the task of playing this formidable Australian side."

The first ODI will be played in Paarl on February 29.