Uncaped Duo Phelukawayo and Markram Included In The South Africa’s 13-Man Squad
Sep 22, 2017 at 4:42 PM
South Africa has included the uncapped duo of seam bowling all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and opener Aiden Markram in the 13-man squad for the first Test against Bangladesh starting next week in Potchefstroom.
The duo has already tasted the feeling of being in the South African dressing room as they were a part of the South Africa squad which toured England recently.
Their inclusion is an absolute indication that South Africa will experiment with the line-up.
The 22-year-old Markram, mainly, will under the limelight as he is set to become the latest option being tried out to solve the troublesome opening position issue alongside Dean Elgar.
The right-handed batsman, who captained South Africa to victory at the 2014 under-19 World Cup, scored 119 and 87 as skipper of the Titans in their on-going domestic four-day match against the Dolphins.
“Aiden has been knocking on the door for some time now,” Cricket South Africa national selection panel convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Friday.
“He gained valuable insight into the Proteas team culture during the tour of England and he has shown maturity beyond his years.”
Phehlukwayo, on the other hand, may not be a direct selection like his peer and will have to fight it out with the experienced left-arm seam bowler Wayne Parnell for the position.
But still, Phelukwayo’s chance seems bright as Parnell isn’t 100 percent fit and will face a fitness test with Chris Morris who is also ruled out with an injury.
The squad, otherwise, has similar names who were a part of the tour of England.
Fast bowling spearheads Dale Steyn, and Vernon Philander are yet to recover completely and will be missing out. Young man Rabada will be taking up the role of leading the pace battery along with the seasoned Morne Morkel.
The opening test starts at Senwes Park on Thursday and will also be new coach Ottis Gibson’s first test as the new head coach of the side. The second and final test will be played in Bloemfontein from Oct. 6-10.
South Africa (1st Test): Faf du Plessis (C), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Thenus de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (WK), Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada