South Africa have named six uncapped players in their squad for the first two Tests against England, the first of which begins on Boxing Day in Pretoria.
Fast bowlers Beuran Hendricks and Dane Paterson, opening batsman Pieter Malan, allrounder Dwaine Pretorius, wicketkeeper-batsman Rudi Second and middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen are all in line for a debut. Second was part of the test squad in India but was withdrawn due to injury. Cape Cobras opener Malan was included as cover for Aiden Markram who is still recovering from an injury during the sub-continent tour in Pune after punching a wall. Andile Phehlukwayo has been recalled but his role in red-ball cricket for the Proteas is yet to be clarified. Top-order batsman, Thenius de Bruyn has been dropped from the squad after a continuous string of poor scores for the Proteas.
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Lungi Ngidi of the Momentum Multiply Titans and Wiaan Mulder of the Imperial Lions could not be considered because of injuries during the Mzansi Super League.
The A squad also sees new faces, Kyle Verreynne, Nandre Burger and Pite van Biljon. The South Africa A squad will play England at Willowmoore Park from December 20-22 in a three-day match. “The selection of the A-side to play England in a three-day tour match is confirmation of our policy to make this team our official South African second XI and it has a good mix of experienced and young players,” said CSA selector Linda Zondi. Newly-appointed head coach Mar Boucher will be eager to make a statement with his first assignment at home.
Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Momentum Multiply Titans, capt), Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Zubayr Hamza (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Rudi Second (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions)
Head Coach: Mark Boucher
Assistant Coach: Enoch Nkwe
SA A squad: Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Nandre Burger (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Theunis de Bruyn (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dane Piedt (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Lutho Sipamla (Warriors), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Pite van Biljon (VKB Knights), Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras)
Head Coach: Ashwell Prince
Assistant Coaches: Malibongwe Maketa and Piet Botha
Fixtures: South Africa vs England
1st Test: Supersport Park Centurion, Pretoria 26-30 December 2019
2nd Test: PPC Newlands, Cape Town 3-7 January 2020
3rd Test: St Georges Park, Port Elizabeth 16-20 January 2020
4th Test: Imperial Wanderers, Johannesburg 24-28 January 2020
