CricBengal.com | Sports Desk
South Africa have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh, with Tony de Zorzi returning after recovering from a hamstring injury. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has also been declared fit after recovering from a groin injury sustained during the recent series against Australia.
De Zorzi missed the recently concluded Test series against Australia because of his hamstring problem. Nortje featured in only one Test against Australia before being sidelined by his injury.
Their return provides South Africa with additional options ahead of the Bangladesh series.
Five Players Left Out from Australia Series Squad
South Africa had originally named an 18-member squad for the Australia series. The squad has now been reduced to 15 players for the upcoming home Tests against Bangladesh.
Senuran Muthusamy, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Gerald Coetzee have been left out.
Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi remains in rehabilitation and was therefore not considered for selection.
Zubayr Hamza Earns a Recall
With three batters omitted from the previous squad, South Africa have recalled Zubayr Hamza to strengthen their top-order options.
The 31-year-old has played eight Tests for South Africa. His most recent appearance came against New Zealand in February 2024.
Head coach Shukri Conrad believes Hamza’s inclusion provides additional depth in the batting department, while De Zorzi’s return is a welcome boost following his recovery.
First Test Begins on November 15
The South African squad will assemble in Johannesburg on November 11.
The first Test against Bangladesh is scheduled to begin on November 15 in Johannesburg. The second and final Test will start on November 23 in Centurion.
South Africa Expect Pace to Play a Major Role
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad expects pace and bounce to be important factors during the series.
He noted that Highveld pitches traditionally offer assistance to fast bowlers, although the Wanderers has also provided some help for spin bowling in recent times.
Conrad indicated that South Africa would place greater emphasis on its seam-bowling options. He also acknowledged the threat posed by Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, who could be effective in Highveld conditions.
The coach welcomed De Zorzi’s return and said Hamza’s inclusion would provide further depth to the top order.
South Africa’s 15-Member Squad for Bangladesh Tests
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, Aiden Markram, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza.
A Challenging Test Series Ahead for Bangladesh
South Africa will have several established pace options available for the home series, while the returns of De Zorzi and Nortje strengthen their batting and bowling combinations. /
Conrad’s comments also suggest that South Africa are paying close attention to Bangladesh’s fast-bowling threat. The conditions in Johannesburg and Centurion could therefore become an important factor in the two-Test contest.
Source: Cricbuzz
Published by: CricBengal.com
