CSA Announces South Africa Test Squad For Australia Tour

The 16-man squad for Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) forthcoming three-match test series against Australia was announced today by the National Selection Committee. The series will begin on December 17 at the Gabba in Brisbane. 

After excelling for his home team, ITEC Knights paceman Gerald Coetzee received his first call-up to the South Africa red-ball squad. In his first 13 first-class games, the 22-year-old has taken 40 wickets at an average of 28.82 and a career-best 4-47. 

Theunis de Bruyn, who last played for the national team in 2019, has also been recalled. With a first-class average of 41.83 and a title-winning 143 in the final round of matches last term, the right-hander, who has 12 test caps, has had success with the Momentum Multiply Titans in the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series. 

Rassie Van der Dussen Makes Comeback To South Africa Squad After Injury

While Keshav Maharaj has been given the all-clear for the tour, Rassie van der Dussen, another important batter, has recovered from the finger injury that forced him to miss the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and his tour to England earlier in the year. The spinner is now receiving treatment for a low-grade groin muscle injury acquired at the T20 World Cup in Australia. 

Ryan Rickelton is replaced by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen. Rickelton, a member of the DP World Lions, missed out on selection for the national squad due to an ankle injury but was still able to play for his home team despite missing the final test of his three against England in September. 

Also unavailable for selection is top-order batsman Keegan Petersen, who suffered a serious hamstring injury when competing for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in the CSA T20 Challenge final in Potchefstroom earlier this month. 

As part of their preparation, Dean Elgar’s team will play an unofficial four-day encounter against Cricket Australia XI from December 9–12 at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The team will depart for Australia on December 1st. 

South Africa Squad For Australia Tour

South Africa Squad: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Khaya Zondo.

National Convenor of Selectors Victor Mpitsang said: “We are pleased with the group of players that have been assembled for this tour. I think the selectors now have a core group of Proteas that has been built and it is just about building on what we have.  

“There is a welcome return for our vice-captain Temba after his injury and we are also happy to have Rassie back too following his finger injury in England. I am especially excited about our pace attack, which is no doubt growing in stature and strength.  

“Overall, all the players selected undoubtedly have the ability to play at the highest level, and evidence of that is our standing on the ICC World Test Championship table. We are confident that if they play to their ability, we can challenge Australia in their conditions.  

“We would like to wish the players well for the tour and look forward to an exciting and competitive series.” 

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