South Africa sprung a surprise by announcing a completely new-look Test squad for their tour of New Zealand in January, with a number of first-choice players missing out due to the SA20.
South Africa’s new look squad – who captains the side?
The team will be led by Neil Brand, a 27-year-old Gauteng-born all-rounder who has never played international cricket. This team will be completely different to the one currently playing against India, with only three players in the existing squad: Keegan Pietersen, Zubair Hamza and David Bedingham.
Why does the squad bear a different look?
The second season of SA20, South Africa’s domestic T20 tournament, is scheduled to be held from January 10 to February 10, with the two Test tours seemingly on the back burner. , resulting in a collision. There was a high percentage of uncapped players. The first Test begins on his February 4th and the second on his February 13th.
This is also South Africa’s first Test series since Dean Elgar’s retirement. Elgar is scheduled to retire after the New Year Test against India in Cape Town.
The 14-man squad consists of a total of seven players, with Duane Olivier being the most experienced player with 12 Tests under his belt. The last time he took part in a test was in 2022.
🟢 SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT 🟡
CSA today announced the 14-man squad that will take part in the Proteas’ two-match Test tour of New Zealand next month 🇿🇦🇳🇿#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt < a href=" https: //twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc^tfw">#SAvIND pic.twitter .com/pLBxCrNvJF
– Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) 30. 2023 年 12 月
Other returning players include off-spinner Dane Peat, who last played a Test in 2019 and opted to end his South African career and move to the United States in 2020.
Sean von Berg, 37, a veteran of 135 first-class appearances, could make his Test debut.
The players currently in the Indian Test team but not selected for this tour are: Themba Bavuma (from the second Test), Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Bellin; Marco Janssen, Nandre Berger, Wyan Mulder, Gerard Coetzee (from the second Test), Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Dean Elgar (retired from Test cricket).
South Africa squad for New Zealand tour
Neil Brand (C), David Bedingham, Zubair Hamza, Dane Peat, Luan de Seward, Clyde Fortuin, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duane Olivier, Dane Patterson, Keegan Petersen, Raynard van Tonder, Sean von Berg, Kaya Zondo.
New Zealand v South Africa: Test schedule
First test – February 4th to 8th – Mt Manganui
Second Test – February 13th to 17th – Hamilton
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