All-rounder Andile Phelukwayo, batsman Aiden Markram and opener Heino Kuhn have earned their maiden Test call -ups after being included in the 16-man Test squad for the upcoming four-match Test series against England, Cricket South Africa announced today.
Heino Kuhn is a veteran in the Proteas domestic circuit with 133 first class matches and over 9000 runs to his credit. He made his international debut against England at Centurion way back in 2009 but has only played 7 T20Is with his last appearance coming in January 2017 against Sri Lanka.
Aiden Markham, the 22-year-old, will be getting the first taste of international cricket in the upcoming tour. He made his first-class debut two years ago playing for the South Western Districts and has played scored 1950 runs at an average of 41.48 in 31 FC games so far. His ability will be put to test against England.
Andile Phehlukwayo is the most recognisable face among new Test caps having enjoyed an impressive run with the limited overs team since making his international debut last year. He has 17 ODIs and 7 T20Is under his belt.
Other notable inclusions are international rookies Thenuis de Bruyn and Duanne Oliver.
Faf du Plessis will be leading the side whereas the young Quinton de Kock will be taking care of the glove work. Also, the selectors have opted for just one specialist spinner – Keshav Maharaj. Off-spinner Dane Piedt, who in recent month, gained a permanent place in the side, has been neglected for this tour.
Pace bowling star Dale Steyn, who is suffering from a shoulder injury, is the only significant name missing from the unit. He is still six weeks away from recovery.
South Africa will play four Tests starting from July 6th at the Lord’s. Nottingham, The Oval and Manchester will be the other venues.
Before the start of the series, the visitors will play one tour game at Worcester. Dean Elgar, the opener, will lead the South African side in the warm-up game.
Squad:
Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Thenuis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Jean-Paul Duminy, Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada