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South Africa on August 14 announced a 15-man squad for the three-T20I series against West Indies later this month. 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka who made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Mumbai Indians after a sensational run in Under-19 World Cup has received maiden call-up alongside batter Jason Smith.
Several players from the senior side won't take part in the T20I series. The runner-ups of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 will be without the services of Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi have been rested for the series. Meanwhile leggie Nqaba Peter who made his T20I debut against West Indies earlier this year was not included as he is recovering from shoulder injury.
However, Aiden Markram will continue to lead the side. In the absence of a recently retired Quinton de Kock, wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickleton will have a chance to cement his spot. He was impressive in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024.
South Africa's white-ball head coach Rob Walter said that several players are missing in an attempt to manage their workload or because they are injured.
“Several players were not considered for this series due to either injury, being in a conditioning block that is related to workload management, or their participation in ongoing T20 leagues,” he said a statement released by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players. It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition, similar to the last time we played against the West Indies in May.”
Walter said that Smith has been given a chance on the back of his performances in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Maphaka who bagged three five-wicket hauls in the Under-19 World Cup has been included to give him exposure to international cricket.
“We’re excited to have Jason [Smith] and Kwena [Maphaka] join the squad for this series. Jason’s recent performances have been impressive, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to our line-up.
“Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience,” he added.
South Africa squad for T20I series in the West Indies
Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams
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