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South Africa announced their squad on Monday (July 8) for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, scheduled for next month in the Caribbean. The Proteas have named a 16-member squad, including batsman Matthew Breetzke who receives his maiden Test call-up after an impressive domestic season where he scored 322 runs at an average of 46, with a top score of 188.
Additionally, Ryan Rickelton returns to the Test fold after more than a year, having last played in March last year during the home series against West Indies, where he has amassed 165 runs across four Tests.
South Africa Test squad for West Indies tour 2024
South Africa’s Test squad sees the return of established players who missed the New Zealand tour earlier this year for SA20 commitments. Despite previously naming eight uncapped players, Neil Brand, who captained then, is omitted for the West Indies tour.
Only three members from the New Zealand tour squad—David Bedingham, Dane Piedt, and Dane Paterson—retain their places. Additionally, allrounder Marco Jansen will be rested for the upcoming series.
“We are looking forward to returning to Test cricket after a busy period of limited-overs cricket over the past few months,” said South Africa Test coach Shukri Conrad.
“This tour is extremely important for us as we aim to improve our standing in the ICC World Test Championship. We have therefore selected our strongest possible squad and look forward to strong performances in the Caribbean.
“We have one new face in the squad, Matthew Breetzke, who is selected on the back of an excellent past season. The decision to rest Marco Jansen was taken to allow for a conditioning period aimed at ensuring optimal physical and mental well-being given the season-long workloads.
“Half of our squad will be part of a camp to be held in Durban next week,” he added.
The Test series between South Africa and West Indies is set to kick off on August 7 with the first match slated for Trinidad and Tobago. The second Test will follow on August 15 in Guyana.
South Africa Test squad:
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
