South Africa's cricket team, the Proteas, has announced an expanded 18-man preliminary squad for their highly anticipated Test series against Australia. A notable inclusion is Anrich Nortje, who last played a Test match in 2023. Nortje, with 70 wickets in 19 Tests, had given up his national contract to focus on the T20 format but was approached by coach Shukri Conrad in 2024 about returning to Test cricket. His recall comes amid a series of injuries to the country's fast bowlers.
Nortje's return to the squad is significant as it addresses the team's fast-bowling concerns. Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman, and Kwena Maphaka are not part of the squad due to hamstring injuries and ongoing rehabilitation. Kagiso Rabada, who recently suffered a hamstring injury, has been included but is still in the recovery stages. The Proteas will begin a training block in Durban, which will help the coaching staff assess the group and conditions before finalizing the 15-man squad.
Coach Shukri Conrad emphasized the importance of having a larger bowling group, which provides flexibility and various options. The team will engage in a couple of training days, a two-day intra-squad match, and scenario-based training. This will enable the coaching staff to determine the best combinations suited to the conditions. Conrad also expressed hope that Kagiso Rabada would be available for selection for the first Test.
The squad announcement also sees the inclusion of Marques Ackerman, an uncapped player who has performed exceptionally well for KwaZulu-Natal and the SA A side. Ackerman scored a century in England and a double hundred against Bangladesh A recently. Gerald Coetzee, who last played a Test match two years ago, has also earned a recall after recovering from a groin injury.
Veteran seamer Dane Paterson, who played a crucial role in helping South Africa reach the World Test Championship final, has been included in the squad. His experience will bolster the seam-bowling stocks. The first Test against Australia is scheduled to start at Kingsmead on October 9. The Proteas will look to finalize their 15-man squad after the training block.
The 18-man preliminary squad includes several established players, such as Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, and Aiden Markram. Other notable players include Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, and Marco Jansen. The squad also features Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Wiaan Mulder, providing a balanced mix of experience and youth.
The Proteas will look to make a strong impression against Australia, and the inclusion of Nortje, Coetzee, and Ackerman could bring fresh energy to the team. With a series of training sessions and a two-day intra-squad match, the coaching staff will have ample opportunity to assess the players and make informed decisions about the final squad.
Key points
- Anrich Nortje recalled to Proteas squad after giving up national contract for T20 format
- Squad includes uncapped player Marques Ackerman and veteran seamer Dane Paterson
- First Test against Australia starts at Kingsmead on October 9
