Cricket South Africa (CSA), on Friday, announced the 16-member Test squad for the three-match Test series which will start on March 8 at Dunedin.
The CSA selectors have also announced the two uncapped players Heinrich Klaasen, who plays for Multiply Titans and Theunis de Bruyn plays for VKB Knights in the Sunfoil Series in the domestic circuit.
The Proteas squad included Keshav Maharaj in the form of the only spinner.
The 25-year-old wicket-keeper batsman has impressed the selectors following his incredible season in the Sunfoil Series with the Titans.
“Heinrich Klaasen was one of the top performers throughout the season and he is rewarded for his form by being included in the Test squad,” CSA selection convener Linda Zondi was quoted as saying by cricket.co.za.
The right-handed batsman scored 635 runs at an average of 48.84 and was the seventh in the highest run-getters list which included his best as 195 in the season.
“This will be an excellent opportunity for Heinrich and we wish him all the best,” Zondi added.
The 24-year-old De Bruyn, who has led the VKB Knights earlier, was also picked in the Proteas squad against Sri Lanka.
De Bruyn was retained after being the third highest scorer in the Sunfoil Series with 751 runs after winning the Sunfoil competition.
The 32-year-old fast bowler Morne Morkel, who missed the Test series against Lanka would like to encash the opportunity if given a place in the Playing XI.
“Morne Morkel has worked hard on his fitness over the past few months and we believe he is now 100 per cent fit and fully able to compete for his place in the team,” Zondi further said.
The Pretoria-born 29-year-old fast bowler Chris Morris, who made his Test debut against England in January last year has also been named in the squad.
However, another fast bowler Duanne Olivier, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in January this year, has also been retained.
The 24-year-old Groblersdal-born Olivier was the only bowler who had taken 50 wickets in the Sunfoill Series four-day competition in this season.
“We have six quality fast bowlers in the squad and that shows just how much of depth the country has in this department,” Zonda concluded.
South Africa’s 16-member Test Squad for New Zealand: Faf du Plessis (C), Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (WK), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada , Duanne Olivier, Theunis de Bruyn, Heinrich Klaasen, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris