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[Saba Sports News] Cricket South Africa recently announced their squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand starting in February. The team is notably led by 27-year-old Neil Brand, an uncapped batting all-rounder, and includes seven players awaiting their Test debut. This scenario of a player captaining in his first Test is a rare occurrence, marking only the second time in Test cricket history.
The squad’s formation coincides with the second season of the SA20 league, impacting the availability of key South African players. Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada, currently playing in the India series, will be absent from the New Zealand tour due to their commitments in the SA20 league. Additionally, Dean Elgar, who is not participating in the T20 tournament, will retire from Test cricket following the second Test against India.
Despite these challenges and the unexpected loss of Tony de Zorzi to Durban’s Super Giants, the South African team remains hopeful about their prospects in New Zealand. The squad features eight players with Test experience, including seasoned campaigners Duanne Olivier and Keegan Petersen.
Shukri Conrad, the red-ball coach, has expressed confidence in the selected squad. He highlighted their potential and readiness for the New Zealand series, citing their recent performance in the ‘A’ series against West Indies. According to Conrad, quoted by ESPNcricinfo, the experience gained against international-level players in the West Indies series has better prepared the team for the challenges they will face in New Zealand.
The South Africa Test squad for the series includes Neil Brand (captain), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, and Khaya Zondo.