SA TEST SQUAD
Faf du Plessis (Multiply Titans, capt)
Hashim Amla (BuildNat Cape Cobras)
Temba Bavuma (bizhub Highveld Lions)
Stephen Cook (bizhub Highveld Lions)
JP Duminy (BuildNat Cape Cobras)
Dean Elgar (Multiply Titans),
Rilee Rossouw (VKB Knights)
Quinton de Kock (Multiply Titans)
Dane Vilas (BuildNat Cape Cobras)
Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Tabraiz Shamsi (Multiply Titans)
Kyle Abbott (Warriors)
Morne Morkel (Multiply Titans)
Vernon Philander (BuildNat Cape Cobras)
Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions)
Dale Steyn (BuildNat Cape Cobras)
Big news that Piedt has been left out and Maharaj and Shamsi are both in.
Rossouw reserve batsman.
Vilas reserve keeper.
“Shamsi has made huge progress over the course of the last year in the longer format,” commented CSA selection convener Linda Zondi. “He took 41 wickets at an average of less than 20 in seven matches in last season’s Sunfoil Series and he certainly offers something different as an attacking spinner.
“Maharaj is also right on top of his game. He took 13 wickets in the Sunfoil Series match at the weekend and also made a run-a-ball 72.
“Basically, we are following a horses for courses policy as we feel that spinners who turn the ball away from the right-hander are going to be particularly useful under Australian conditions and against the test batsmen we are likely to face.
“I am excited about the cover we have in this area with a wrist spinner and a left-arm orthodox spinner, with JP Duminy able to offer the right-arm variety as well.
“Rilee Rossouw has earned his batting place also with good form in last season’s Sunfoil Series and he is also on top of his game at the moment,” Zondi concluded.