Proteas name squad for next Test series

Understandably, the Proteas have not made many changes to their Test squad after the recent remarkable 2-1 series win over Australia.

Next up, a 15-player squad has been announced for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh later this month.

The first Test will take place at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from 15-19 November, followed by the second Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion from 23-27 November.

Tony de Zorzi returns after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Test series against Australia, while Lions batter Zubayr Hamza has also been included in the squad.

On the bowling front, Anrich Nortje (Dolphins) returns to the squad after being sidelined for two weeks with a groin injury. He is joined in the pace attack by Dane Paterson (Cobras), Kagiso Rabada and all-rounders Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder.

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was not considered for selection as he continues his rehabilitation.

The last time the two sides met on South African soil was in 2022, where the hosts secured a 2-0 series win.

Proteas Men’s Head Coach Shukri Conrad said: “Coming off a hard fought series against Australia, our focus will be on carrying that momentum into the Bangladesh series, which is our next big assignment of the summer.

“Traditionally, surfaces on the Highveld favours pace and bounce, although we have seen the Wanderers offer some assistance to spin in recent times. So with that in mind, there will be greater focus on our seam-bowling options.

“We know the threat Bangladesh pose and we expect their quicks to be very effective in Highveld conditions.

“In terms of our batting options, it’s good to welcome Tony back following his recovery from injury, while Zubayr’s inclusion gives us further depth to our top order.

“The build-up to the first Test will give us the opportunity to assess our options and settle on the best combination for the conditions.”

The squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 November.

Proteas Men’s Squad for Series against Bangladesh

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Marques Ackerman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (YesPlay Cobras), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Anrich Nortje (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dane Paterson (YesPlay Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).

Fixtures

1st Test – Sunday, 15 November – Thursday, 19 November at 10:00

South Africa vs Bangladesh – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

2nd Test – Monday, 23 November – Friday, 27 November at 10:00

South Africa vs Bangladesh – SuperSport Park, Centurion