Khaya Zondo has finally received his first Proteas call-up, despite the absence of numerous IPL-bound stars.
With a large portion of South Africa’s Test team absent due to the Indian Premier League, Khaya Zondo has received his first Test call-up. The KwaZulu Natal batsman, who has played six One-Day Internationals for his country, has amassed over 6230 runs at a strike rate of 31.78 in domestic cricket.
Lizaad Williams and Daryn Dupavillon have also been added to the team, with the regulars – Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen – missing out due to their engagement in the IPL. Zondo made an indelible impression on the selectors earlier this season when he scored 203 in a match against Western Province.
Dupavillon, on the other hand, is back in the squad after being named to the squad during South Africa’s series against Pakistan. The speed bowler, who has 214 FC wickets, is expected to make his debut in the first game of the series. Despite the absence of Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen, the return of Keegan Petersen would provide a boost to the Proteas.
Dean Elgar remains the skipper of the side, as the first Test between the two sides begins on March 31 (Thursday).
South Africa’s Test squad: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma, Daryn Dupavillon, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo