Dean Elgar will captain the Proteas. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Proteas back in action: All you need to know about tour to New Zealand!
Cricket fans in South Africa will face plenty of Test action in the early hours of the morning as the Proteas prepare to face New Zealand.
Dean Elgar will captain the Proteas. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
After claiming a memorable 2-1 Test series win over India, there will be great anticipation when the Proteas resume duty in the red-ball format, but that wait is now nearly over as South Africa face off against New Zealand from Thursday.
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According to SuperSport’s schedule, the Test series build up will begin from 11:30pm South African time on Wednesday night, with the on-field action set to take place from midnight onwards.
Both Test matches are being played in Christchurch, and the weather forecast looks superb for the entirety of the first Test, with mild conditions and no rain predicted, although there could be some cloud cover – especially on Sunday.
Despite the case of “gross misconduct” against Proteas coach Mark Boucher overshadowing the build up to this series, all the other signs suggest South Africa are a team on the rise.
However, this will be a massive challenge for Boucher’s side as they take on World Test Championship winners New Zealand.
Unfortunately for the Proteas, Keegan Petersen has missed the tour after testing positive for COVID-19 prior to the team’s departure, but it’s also been confirmed that New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the series after failing to recover from an elbow injury.
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Western Province batsman Zubayr Hamza has replaced Petersen, who emerged as the Man of the Series against India, having ended the three-Test tour as the leading run-scorer, with 276 at an average of 46.00.
Sarel Erwee, who has been in terrific form for South Africa A and Dolphins, now looks set to get a long-awaited opportunity in the Proteas Test team.
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PROTEAS TEST SQUAD VS NEW ZEALAND
Dean Elgar (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain, Imperial Lions), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Imperial Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Duanne Olivier (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Glenton Stuurman (Gbet Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province).
Team management
Mark Boucher (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Manager), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Justin Ontong (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Consultant), Malibongwe Maketa (Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist), Tumi Masekela (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Dr Shuaib Manjra (Team Dr), Sipokazi Sokanyile (Media Manager), Kyle Botha (Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security).
South Africa Test Tour to New Zealand Itinerary
Thursday, 17 to Monday, 21 February 1st Test Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Friday, 25 February to Tuesday, 01 March 2nd Test Hagley Oval, Christchurch
