As the New Year beckons, there is a host of cricketing action that is coming the way of fans. After their series against India, South Africa are set to tour New Zealand for a short Test series.
In a surprising move the South African selectors have named a new look team for the two-match series. The reason behind this is the SA20 league which is set to begin on the 10th of January 2024.
Once the team was announced, many fans were left shocked. The choice of captain particular came as a shock with an uncapped player being given the reins of the team. Apart from David Bedingham and Keegan Petersen none of the players from the India series are retained.
New Look South Africa squad for New Zealand series –
It was a surprising move as uncapped player Neil Brand was the South Africa skipper on Saturday. The 27-year-old will lead the South Africans during a two-match Test Series against New Zealand in January.
The selectors have also given a recall to players like Khaya Zondo, Dane Paterson, and Duane Olivier. Shukri Conrad the Test team coach was complimentary of the new players in the team.
Conrad while speaking to the media as quoted by CRICBUZZ said “Firstly I would like to congratulate the players that will be going on a Proteas tour for the first time. It is a real honour to represent your country, so they should savour the moment.”
The South African coach also said “The players picked for this tour have every chance of challenging New Zealand and we have full confidence they will do exactly that when we arrive for the first Test match at Mount Maunganui”
Ending his statement, Conrad Shukri said “Most of these guys participated in the recent ‘A’ series against West Indies where they showed that they have what it takes against players of international calibre. That experience will no doubt leave them in a better position for what we expect to be a testing series in New Zealand.”
South African team for the New Zealand series –
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, Khaya Zondo
