Squad announced for test series against Pakistan

Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced a 16-player squad for the two-match test series against Pakistan, starting at SuperSport Park on Thursday, 26 December.

Momentum Multiply Titans seamer Corbin Bosch has earned his maiden call-up to the test side. The 30-year-old has been in fine form in first-class cricket, boasting an overall tally of 72 wickets at an average of 36.75 and an economy rate of 3.24 across 34 matches. He also averages over 40 with the bat, showcasing his all-round ability. Bosch recently featured in the SA Invitational XI side that defeated England Lions in Cape Town.

Joining him in the squad is uncapped DP World Lions seamer Kwena Maphaka, who was part of the squad for the second test against Sri Lanka.

DP World Lions allrounder Wiaan Mulder has also been included squad as he completes the final phase of his recovery from a fractured right middle finger, which kept him out of the second test against Sri Lanka. If Mulder is selected for the first test, Dafabet Warriors batter Matthew Breetzke will be released from the squad.

Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj sustained an acute groin strain on Tuesday during warm-ups ahead of the first one-day international against Pakistan at Boland Park in Paarl. He will undergo a scan on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury.

Test captain Temba Bavuma will lead the side in what marks the final test series of the summer and the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 cycle, where South Africa currently occupy top spot.

Commenting on the squad, Shukri said: “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.

“In terms of our own squad, we have added Corbin to the mix. His all-round ability with both bat and ball adds depth and his pace brings an extra bite to our attack, so we’re excited to see him make that step up to test cricket.

"Dane Paterson really impressed us against Sri Lanka and we look forward to seeing him again. Overall, the pace attack is a really good one. We are keeping a close eye on Kesh (Keshav Maharaj) and hope his injury is not too serious.

"A lot of the batters stood up when they were needed against Sri Lanka and this is another opportunity for all of them to showcase what they can do against a good Pakistan bowling attack."

Proteas test squad against Pakistan

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Marco Jansen (Renault North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), and Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province).

South Africa test series against Pakistan

26 - 30 December at 10:00

South Africa v Pakistan – SuperSport Park, Centurion

03 - 07 January at 10:00

South Africa v Pakistan – World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Stadium, Cape Town