De Bruyn named in Proteas Test squad

Published Dec 14, 2016

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Knights captain Theunis de Bruyn is the only uncapped player named in the Proteas Test squad for this month’s series against Sri Lanka.

De Bruyn has been called up as batting cover for the injured AB de Villiers and Rilee Rossouw. 

Both players are still struggling with their respective elbow and foot injuries.

Stiaan van Zyl, who played the last home Test against New Zealand, was also not considered after recently signing a three-year deal to play for Sussex in the English County Championship.

There is a great possibility that De Bruyn could receive his maiden Test cap when the first Test gets underway at St George’s Park in Port 

Elizabeth on Boxing Day due to newly-appointed official Test captain Faf du Plessis appealing his ball tampering sanction on December 19.

Du Plessis stands the risk of having his original fine of his entire match fee and three demerit points being increased which could result in a ban that could see him miss the series opener.

De Bruyn enjoyed a solid South Africa A limited-overs tour of Australia earlier this year where compiled 217 runs at an average of 54.25. The right-hander has continued that good form in the domestic first-class competition as the 24-year-old is currently third on the national run-scorers table with 425 runs at an average of 60.42.

“De Bruyn is the latest player to be rewarded for consistently good form at franchise and South Africa A level,” commented CSA selection convener, Linda Zondi.

“As far as the overall squad is concerned they deserve the fullest vote of confidence for their performances in the two recent Test series against New Zealand and Australia and we are looking forward to more of the same against Sri Lanka.”

Adelaide Test debutant Tabraiz Shamsi drops out of the squad with Dolphins left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj retaining his place in the squad after his solid performances in the first two Tests in Australia.

Wicket-keeper Dane Vilas also returns to franchise duty after only playing a substitute fielder in Australia while pacemen Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were not considered due to injury.

All-rounder Wayne Parnell therefore returns to the Test squad as cover with Australian emergency replacement Dwaine Pretorius dropping out.

Zondi also praised outgoing Test captain De Villiers for his role in supporting new captain Du Plessis.

“Credit to AB de Villiers for the smooth way the leadership transition has taken place. We certainly look forward to having him back for the limited overs portion of the tour. Faf has done an outstanding job in the last two Test series and our leadership is in very good hands,” concluded Zondi.

Proteas Test squad

Faf du Plessis (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada

Independent Media

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