Prioritizing SA20, Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed an overhauled and inexperienced 14-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand in February. Among the squad, only seven players have prior Test experience, and the captain, Neil Brand, is yet to make his Test debut.
Scheduled from February 4th to the 17th, the Test series aligns with the SA20 timeframe, running from January 10th to February 10th. CSA is unwilling to release their star players for the red-ball series due to this overlap.
Dane Paterson, Zubayr Hamza, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Dane Peidt, David Bedingham, and Khaya Zondo are the sole Test-capped cricketers in the squad. Among them, only Olivier and Petersen have participated in more than 10 Tests for South Africa.
Captain Neil Brand boasts a respectable first-class record, amassing 2906 runs in 51 matches at an average of 39.27. Additionally, his slow left-arm bowling has secured 72 wickets.
The upcoming New Zealand tour holds significant importance for Bedingham, especially after making a noteworthy entry with a superb half-century against India in Centurion.
Bedingham and Petersen are the sole members from the India Test squad set to embark on the New Zealand journey. The selection of Shaun van Berg, aged 37, adds an intriguing element, as he gets a chance after debuting in first-class cricket back in 2009.
Squad: Neil Brand (captain), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Duanne Olivier, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Mihlali Mpongwana, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg and Khaya Zondo.
“The chosen squad has a good shot at competing against New Zealand”- South Africa Head Coach
South Africa’s Test coach, Shukri Conrad, believes that players should seize the opportunity to represent the Proteas and have confidence in their ability to take on the Kiwis.
“Firstly I would like to congratulate the players that will be going on a Proteas tour for the first time. It is a real honour to represent your country, so they should savour the moment.”
“The players picked for this tour have every chance of challenging New Zealand and we have full confidence they will do exactly that when we arrive for the first Test match at Mount Maunganui.”
The initial Test will take place in Mount Maunganui, with Seddon Park in Hamilton hosting the second.
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