Proteas Announce Test Squad for Series Against Pakistan

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18Dec, 2024
Johannesburg, 18 December 2024 – Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has unveiled a 16-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, set to begin at SuperSport Park on Thursday, 26 December.
Momentum Multiply Titans seamer Corbin Bosch has earned his maiden call-up to the national Test side. The 30-year-old has been in exceptional form in first-class cricket, with 72 wickets at an average of 36.75 and an economy rate of 3.24 from 34 matches. He also boasts a batting average over 40, demonstrating his value as an all-rounder. Bosch was recently part of the SA Invitational XI, which triumphed over the England Lions in Cape Town.
Joining Bosch is uncapped seamer Kwena Maphaka from the DP World Lions, who was previously included in the squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka. DP World Lions all-rounder Wiaan Mulder also makes the squad as he nears full recovery from a fractured right middle finger that kept him out of the second Test against Sri Lanka. If Mulder is selected for the first Test, Dafabet Warriors batter Matthew Breetzke will be released from the squad.
Injury concerns surround Keshav Maharaj, who sustained an acute groin strain during warm-ups ahead of the first One-Day International against Pakistan in Paarl on Tuesday. Maharaj is set to undergo a scan on Wednesday to assess the severity of the injury.
Test captain Temba Bavuma will lead the team in what will be the final Test series of the summer and the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship cycle, with South Africa currently sitting at the top of the standings.
Commenting on the squad, Shukri Conrad emphasized the significance of the series: “We head into this series with a clear focus, with a spot in the World Test Championship Final being the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We’ve selected a squad which gives us the best chance to achieve that.”
Conrad added: “Pakistan has always posed a strong threat with their talented fast bowlers, and I expect it to be no different this time around. We are also excited to see Corbin Bosch step up to Test cricket, with his all-round ability and pace adding depth to our attack. Dane Paterson impressed against Sri Lanka, and we’re looking forward to seeing more from him. The pace attack is looking strong, and we are closely monitoring Keshav’s injury.”
The squad will be eager to capitalize on the momentum from their recent series against Sri Lanka, with the batters stepping up when required. The challenge against Pakistan, renowned for their formidable bowling attack, will be a test of their readiness for the World Test Championship Final.
Proteas Test Squad for Pakistan Series:
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions)
David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors)
Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Marco Jansen (Renault North West Dragons)
Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions)
Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions)
Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors)
Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions)
Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions)
Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors)
Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Test Series Fixtures:
26 - 30 December at 10:00 – South Africa vs Pakistan, SuperSport Park, Centurion
03 - 07 January at 10:00 – South Africa vs Pakistan, World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Stadium, Cape Town
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
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