Peterson returns, Tahir left out of South Africa Test squad
Proteas rely on new blood to lead charge against the West Indies
JOHANNESBURG:
Three uncapped players have been named in the 14-man South African Test squad announced yesterday to face the West Indies, while left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, who played his last Test in February against Australia, has been recalled in place of the out-of-form Imran Tahir and injured off-spinner Dane Piedt.
Left-handed batsman Stiaan van Zyl looks set to make his Test debut in the first Test at the Centurion on December 17, while batsman Temba Bavuma and fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada may have to wait for a chance.
Van Zyl, who was part of the South African Test squad on tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, but did not play, is likely to replace injured JP Duminy, who is suffering from a knee injury.
“Stiaan was the reserve batsman against Zimbabwe so he is the logical choice to replace Duminy,” said selection convener Andrew Hudson.
"Temba and Kagiso have impressed at the franchise and South Africa A level and we think that they are ready to be considered for senior international duty."
The West Indian squad arrived in South Africa yesterday and begin their preparations for the series with a three-day match against South Africa Invitation XI on December 10.
Smith called up to replace Gayle
Left-handed batsman Devon Smith is to replace West Indies’ injured star Chris Gayle in the squad for the tour of South Africa.
The 33-year-old has represented the West Indies in 33 Tests since his debut in 2003 against Australia in Guyana.
Gayle is the second experienced player the squad has seen drop out after Dwayne Bravo pulled out last month citing personal reasons.
The series against South Africa will be the first for the West Indies since they quit India four matches into a five-game, one-day series in October after a pay dispute between players and the board, with a T20I and three Tests to play.
West Indies will play three Tests, three T20Is and five ODIs in South Africa.
Three uncapped players have been named in the 14-man South African Test squad announced yesterday to face the West Indies, while left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, who played his last Test in February against Australia, has been recalled in place of the out-of-form Imran Tahir and injured off-spinner Dane Piedt.
Left-handed batsman Stiaan van Zyl looks set to make his Test debut in the first Test at the Centurion on December 17, while batsman Temba Bavuma and fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada may have to wait for a chance.
Van Zyl, who was part of the South African Test squad on tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, but did not play, is likely to replace injured JP Duminy, who is suffering from a knee injury.
“Stiaan was the reserve batsman against Zimbabwe so he is the logical choice to replace Duminy,” said selection convener Andrew Hudson.
"Temba and Kagiso have impressed at the franchise and South Africa A level and we think that they are ready to be considered for senior international duty."
The West Indian squad arrived in South Africa yesterday and begin their preparations for the series with a three-day match against South Africa Invitation XI on December 10.
Smith called up to replace Gayle
Left-handed batsman Devon Smith is to replace West Indies’ injured star Chris Gayle in the squad for the tour of South Africa.
The 33-year-old has represented the West Indies in 33 Tests since his debut in 2003 against Australia in Guyana.
Gayle is the second experienced player the squad has seen drop out after Dwayne Bravo pulled out last month citing personal reasons.
The series against South Africa will be the first for the West Indies since they quit India four matches into a five-game, one-day series in October after a pay dispute between players and the board, with a T20I and three Tests to play.
West Indies will play three Tests, three T20Is and five ODIs in South Africa.