South Africa Include Kagiso Rabada in Preliminary Squad for Australia Test Series
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
South Africa have named an 18-member preliminary squad for their upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada included despite currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Rabada’s inclusion will give South Africa hope that their leading fast bowler can recover in time for the home series.
However, three other fast bowlers — Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi — have been left out after being ruled unavailable due to hamstring injuries.
Coetzee, Nortje and Paterson return
South Africa have recalled Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson for the series.
The three-Test contest will be played at Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town, with conditions at the coastal venues expected to provide assistance to the pace bowlers.
Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped player in the squad. The 30-year-old batter has been in impressive form for South Africa A, scoring more than 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball appearances at an average of 82.92.
Spin options included
South Africa have also selected three specialist spinners in Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy.
Captain Aiden Markram can also provide an additional spin option when required.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said the squad had been announced at this stage because the team would have an extended preparation period before the opening Test.
The South African squad is scheduled to assemble in Durban on October 1.
Test series schedule
The first Test will be played in Durban from October 9 to 13.
The second Test is scheduled for Gqeberha from October 18 to 22, while the final match will take place in Cape Town from October 27 to 31.
South Africa squad
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.
