South Africa Reveals a New Squad for New Zealand Series

South Africa Reveals Second-String Squad for New Zealand Series: What to Expect

The 27-year-old all-rounder Neil Brand, who has never played international cricket, will lead the surprising new-look Test team that South Africa announced in January for their tour of New Zealand. The team is very different from the one that is currently playing India, with only three players remaining from the current squad.

(Cricket News) The two-Test tour appears to have taken a backseat, with the clash resulting in a high percentage of uncapped players. The second Test begins on February 13, while the first Test begins on February 4.

It will also be South Africa’s first Test series following Dean Elgar’s retirement, which takes place after the New Year’s Test against India, at Cape Town. The squad of 14 is made up of seven capped players, with Duanne Olivier being the most experienced with 12 Tests; Elgar’s last Test match was in 2022.

Others making a return include off-spinner Dane Piedt, who last appeared in a Test match in 2019 and had ostensibly decided to terminate his career in South Africa in 2020 in order to go to the United States; 37-year-old Shaun von Berg, who has played in 135 first-class matches, may be on his way to making his Test debut.

South Africa squad for New Zealand tour: Neil Brand (C), David Bedingham, Zubayr Hamza, Dane Piedt, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.

See more: David Warner Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket.