South Africa Cricket (CSA) announced South Africa's 16-member squad for the upcoming Pakistan Test series scheduled to start from December 26. Uncapped Corbin Bosch has been included in the Test squad. Bosch is an all-rounder who had a first-class batting average of over 40 and a bowling average of 36.75. They have also included young pacer Kwena Maphaka who was the highest wicket-taker in the Men's U19 World Cup with 21 scalps to his name.
Wiaan Mulder who missed out on the recent Sri Lanka Test series as he was on the road to recovery is also fit to play and included in the squad. CSA released Matthew Breetzke from their squad.
Star spinner Keshav Maharaj who suffered an acute groin strain during the ODI against Pakistan has been included in the squad but will undergo further tests.
South Africa's red-ball coach, Shukri Conrad said that his side was focused on securing a positive result with the World Test Championship Final in sight. At the moment South Africa leads the standings.
"We head into this series with a clear focus, with a spot in the World Test Championship Final being the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We've selected a squad which gives us the best chance to achieve that. It's an exciting time for South African cricket and we're particularly looking forward to this battle against Pakistan. They always pose a strong threat with the talented fast bowlers they produce and I expect it to be no different this time around," Shukri Conrad was quoted by ICC as saying.
The two-match Test series will kick off on December 26 in Centurion. The second and final match of the series will be played in Cape Town from January 3.
South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.