Rassie van der Dussen has been named captain of a new-look South African squad that will travel to Harare for a T20I tri-series featuring New Zealand and Zimbabwe. He steps in for regular skipper Aiden Markram, who, along with several other senior players, has been rested as part of Cricket South Africa’s workload management strategy.
Fresh Faces Get Their Opportunity
The squad includes several fresh faces eager to make their mark. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who finished as the leading run-scorer in this year’s SA20, has earned his maiden international call-up. Corbin Bosch, already capped in ODIs and Tests, is set to make his T20I debut. Wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann, who also impressed in the SA20, and all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy, who has experience in the longer formats, round out the list of uncapped players in the squad.
Key Pacers Return From Injury
South Africa’s bowling stocks have been boosted by the return of pacers Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee. Both quicks have recently resumed competitive cricket in Major League Cricket (MLC) after recovering from long-term injuries. Another notable inclusion is Dewald Brevis, who is set to play his first international match in nearly two years.
First T20I Assignment for Shukri Conrad
This series will also be the first T20I assignment for head coach Shukri Conrad since his appointment as South Africa’s all-format coach. The tri-series begins on July 14, when South Africa face hosts Zimbabwe. The final will be played on July 26.
Coach Looks Ahead to T20 World Cup
“This T20I tri-series marks the start of our preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup,” Conrad said. “With several senior players rested, it creates opportunities for new faces to step up and stake their claim for World Cup selection.
“Lhuan-dre and Rubin have been rewarded for their outstanding domestic form, and we’re excited to see how they adapt to international cricket. We also know what Corbin brings to the table from his experience in Tests and ODIs, and we’re keen to see how he translates those skills to the T20 format.”
South Africa Squad
Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane
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