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South Africa has unveiled an unexperienced squad for their forthcoming two-match Test series in New Zealand, commencing on February 4.
Neil Brand to captain South Africa in New Zealand
Neil Brand, an uncapped opening batsman, will lead the Proteas in the two-match ICC World Test Championship series, with only a handful of players from the current India tour included in the squad.
The decision to opt for an inexperienced ensemble comes as a result of a scheduling clash with SA20, South Africa’s T20 franchise tournament slated for January, where the majority of the contracted Test players will participate.
Expressing his thoughts on the selection, Test head coach Shukri Conrad highlighted the significance of the moment for the debutants.
“Firstly I would like to congratulate the players that will be going on a Proteas tour for the first time,” South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad said as quoted by ICC.
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“It is a real honour to represent your country, so they should savour the moment. 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,” Conrad emphasized.
“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,” Conrad added.
South Africa Test squad for New Zealand tour:
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
