For the West Indies series, Matthew Breetzke, who was chosen to replace Dean Elgar in the South Africa Test team, received his first call-up.
The 25-year-old, who played for Northants, travelled to Sri Lanka in 2023 with the South A team. Throughout his career, he has participated in 55 List A games and scored 1445 runs at an average of 28.90. He is aware of what it takes to be successful in international cricket having played Twenty20 cricket before.
The only players from the New Zealand series that were selected for the West Indies squad are David Bedingham, Dane Paterson, and Dane Piedt. In order to concentrate on SA20, every red-ball player made the decision to take a vacation from the away series against the Black Caps. But Bedingham, Paterson, Piedt, and a dozen more players gave up the SA20 contract to concentrate on red-ball cricket.
Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen are the bowlers that will miss the series. After choosing to forego the CSA’s core contract in order to concentrate on T20 cricket, Nortje was dropped. Conversely, Jansen has taken a break, as revealed by coach Shukri Conrad. He said that in order to control his workload, the all-round player had been given a rest.
According to a statement from Conrad, “Marco Jansen was placed on leave to allow for a conditioning period aimed at ensuring optimal physical and mental well-being given the season-long workloads.”
Our goal is to raise our ICC World Test Championship standing: Conrad
Shukri Conrad also discussed the significance of the series versus the West Indies. With a 25% winning percentage, South Africa is presently ranked eighth in the World Test Championship points standings. The head coach of the Tests continued, “They have selected the best team to win in the Caribbean and get back in the race.”In order to raise our ranking in the ICC World Test Championship, this tour is crucial to us. As a result, we have put together the best team possible, and we’re excited for great performances in the Caribbean, said Conrad.
South Africa Test squad for West Indies series:
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.
India
