Trending
South Africa have named an 18-player preliminary squad for the upcoming home Test series against Australia.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been included despite currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
However, fellow seamers Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi have been left out after suffering hamstring problems.
The three-Test series will be played at coastal venues in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
Rabada remains sidelined with his hamstring injury but has been included in the preliminary group.
South Africa will have an extended preparation period before the opening Test.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said the squad will assemble in Durban on October 1.
Gold Price Falls Rs12,800 Per Tola in Pakistan
“We’ve selected a preliminary squad because we have an extended build-up to the first Test,” Conrad said.
The first Test will be played in Durban from October 9 to 13.
The second Test will take place in Gqeberha from October 18 to 22.
The series will conclude in Cape Town from October 27 to 31.
South Africa have recalled Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson for the series.
The coastal venues are expected to offer conditions that could assist the pace attack.
Their inclusion provides additional experience to a bowling group affected by several injuries.
The selectors will continue to monitor Rabada and the other players during the extended build-up to the first Test.
Batter Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped player in the preliminary squad.
The 30-year-old has produced strong performances for South Africa A in red-ball cricket.
He has scored more than 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball appearances for South Africa A at an average of 82.92.
His selection gives South Africa another batting option ahead of the Australia series.
South Africa have included three specialist spinners in the squad.
Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy provide the main spin options.
Captain Aiden Markram can also contribute with his part-time spin.
The squad combines established Test players with returning fast bowlers and an uncapped batter.
South Africa will begin preparations in Durban on October 1 before the first Test starts eight days later.
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.
[…] South Africa Name Preliminary Squad for Australia Test Series […]