CSA (Cricket South Africa) called up wicket-keeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and pacer Chris Morris for the second Test match in the ongoing series against England. Today CSA announced the 15-men preliminary South African squad for the second Test match of the four-Test series, which will start on 2nd January 2016 at Newlands, Cape Town.
De Kock had recently hit a half-century and a century in the domestic matches. De Kock had represented 6 Tests for his nation while Chris Morris will be looking for his debut in the upcoming Test match.
The CSA convener of selectors, Linda Zondi said about the selection. “Following our performance and injuries in the first Test, we have recognised the need to bolster the squad. This will provide us with more selection options for the second Test match at Newlands.”
De Villiers dropped two catches during the second innings of the first Test match against England while he was keeping wickets in the Test match.
South African coach Russell Domingo said on the prospect of de Villiers put away the gloves: “It still needs to be cleared with the selectors but we are looking at that route.”
Protease skipper Hashim Amla added, “Having AB keep allows us to play an extra batter and he has said he will do it. We’ll see how he feels at the end of today because he has had a heavy workload. Depending on how AB feels, we will decide on Quinton.”
Dale Steyn was retained in the squad but his fitness puts a big question mark about his playing in the second Test match. That was the reason why CSA added another pacer for the upcoming Test as Chris Morris.
Domingo commented about the Steyn’s fitness, “We will assess Dale over the next day or two. It is unlikely he will play the next Test. He has not made much Test cricket for us lately and that is a big blow.”
Domingo is hopeful about the team, but is disappointed with the performances. He said, “We are not getting enough runs. There is quality batting in our line-up and hopefully, we can turn that round soon. Maybe it is not a bad thing that there is a two-day turnaround so we can get on with it rather than sitting and wondering. I was expecting a lot more fight and I am disappointed with the way we have gone about it.”
South Africa’s preliminary squad (for the 2nd Test):- Hashim Amla (Capt), AB de Villiers (Vice-capt), Kyle Abbott, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.