Kyle Verreynne Proteas

Kyle Verreynne. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

PROTEAS PREDICTION: Verreynne, Olivier must play on Boxing Day!

On the eve of the Proteas’ highly-anticipated first Test against India, this is the lineup that we think should take to the field from Sunday.

Kyle Verreynne Proteas

Kyle Verreynne. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

The Proteas are set to play three Tests against India from 26 December 2021 to 15 January 2022, with plenty of work having gone on behind the scenes to ensure this tour could go ahead despite concerns around the fourth wave of Covid-19 in South Africa.

Below we’ve predicted the team that we think should be selected, which features Kyle Verreynne for just a third Test appearance, and an opportunity for recalled fast bowler Duanne Olivier.

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The team we think the Proteas should field:

1 Dean Elgar

2 Aiden Markram

3 Rassie van der Dussen

4 Temba Bavuma

5 Kyle Verreynne

6 Quinton de Kock

7 Wiaan Mulder

8 Keshav Maharaj

9 Kagiso Rabada

10 Lungi Ngidi

11 Duanne Olivier

Three frontline pace bowlers make the cut, with Keshav Maharaj the specialist spinner, while Aiden Markram can offer a part-time spin alternative. Wiaan Mulder serves as the all-rounder. There is also an exciting recall for Duanne Olivier.

Our inclusion of Kyle Verreynne is multi-faceted, with regular keeper Quinton de Kock expected to miss the third – and possibly the second – Test due to paternity leave. It would therefore be a good call to have talented Verreynne form part of proceedings from the outset before presumably taking over the wicket-keeper duties once De Kock is unavailable.

De Kock’s wife Sasha is expected to give birth in early January, which could mean that the keeper-batsman also misses the second five-day clash.

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Test schedule

26-30 December 21 | 1st WTC Test vs India | SuperSport Park, Centurion
3-7 January 22 | 2nd WTC Test vs India | Wanderers, Johannesburg
11-15 January 22 | 3rd WTC Test vs India | Newlands, Cape Town

Proteas Test squad

Dean Elgar (captain, Titans), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain, Lions), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper, Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Sarel Erwee (Dolphins), Beuran Hendricks (Western Province), George Linde (Western Province), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Dolphins), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (Western Province), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Prenelan Subrayen (Dolphins), Sisanda Magala (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Duanne Olivier (Lions)