Hamza, Mulder part of Proteas ‘back-up’ squad

JOHANNESBURG – Cricket SA on Friday named a squad of 28 players, outside of the CSA Nationally Contracted Players, for a conditioning programme to prepare for selection for South Africa’s various international commitments during the 2019/20 season, as well as during the current off-season.

The Proteas have an away tour to India in September and October that will consist of three T20 International matches, as well as three Test matches followed by home series from December to February against England (all three formats) and Australia (white ball matches).

That will be followed by a visit to India for a series of ODI matches in March.

The South Africa A side will also be visiting India to play their counterparts in both white- and red-ball cricket in August and September.

“The reality of the situation is that we no longer have an off-season and we are about to embark on an exceptionally busy period of international cricket, starting with the ICC World Cup later this month,” said Corrie van Zyl, CSA head of cricket pathways.

“The purpose of this squad, under the direction of SA A head coach Russell Domingo and strength and conditioning specialist Tumi Masekela, with the assistance of the franchise coaches, is to ensure that these players are properly prepared and optimally conditioned for international cricket.

“It is also important to let them know that they are on the radar of the National Selection Panel (NSP) for possible selection to the Proteas and SA A.”

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19journey will be a long and challenging climb. Check out how Head Coach @MrODGibson likened it to a hike up Table Mountain, with each fixture becoming a steeper contest as we get closer to the top. #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/g0ekOTeh2k

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA)