The refurbished Mark Boucher-led South Africa has chosen an interesting 17-man squad ahead for the first two matches of the four-game Test series against England, on Monday. As many as six uncapped players are drafted into the setup, including Pieter Malan, Rassie van der Dussen, Dwaine Pretorius, Dane Paterson, Beuran Hendricks and Rudi Second.
The South Africans, after a major drubbing at the hands of India earlier in October, opted to revamp their management and selection department, with legendary wicket-keeper batsman Boucher’s inclusion providing a ray of hope. Although the new panel that comprises of independent selector Linda Zondi has called a host of inexperienced players, the core of the squad has largely been retained.
Senuran Muthusamy, George Linde, and Dane Piedt owing to the conditions in England have been omitted from the squad, paving way for more stack in the top order. Keshav Maharaj, who endured a torrid time in the sub-continent, is the only spinner in the team.
Heinrich Klaasen and Theunis de Bruyn are other notable absentees from the shortlist that is expected to reduce to a pool of 14 players by Wednesday. Aiden Markram seems to have shaken off the injury after the wall-punching incident that broke one of his bones in the hand during the India series but is unlikely to be picked. Lungi Ngidi meanwhile, remains sidelined with a hamstring strain.
The first Test match is set to start on 26 December at the Centurion. However, the players should begin their preparations on the field from Wednesday onward.
South Africa squad for first two Tests against England: Faf du Plessis (captain), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Beuran Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Pieter Malan, Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rudi Second, Rassie van der Dussen
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