Morkel returns, Heinrich Klaasen called up in the Test squad for NZ series

South African selectors named the team for the three-match Test series against the Kiwis in New Zealand. The series kicks off with the first Test match at University Oval on March 8. Morne Morkel makes a comeback in the squad having missed out the home series against Sri Lanka. They have also named two uncapped players – Heinrich Klaasen the Titans wicketkeeper-batsman and right-handed batsman Theunis de Bruyn.

Allrounder Chris Morris also made a cut to the team while their premier pacer Dale Steyn continues to stay away from the action with the injury. Duane Oliver who debuted against Sri Lanka has been retained in the team. The 24-year-old played the 3rd Test against the Lankans and returned with 5 wickets in the game.

25-year-old Klaasen was able to leave an impression on the selectors having scored 635 runs in the Sunfoil series with a superlative average of 48.84 and the best score of 195. Reasoning his call-up CSA selection convener Linda Zondi said: “Heinrich Klaasen was one of the top performers throughout the season and he is rewarded for his form by being included in the Test squad,”

Though Quinton de Kock is their first choice keeper the selectors wanted a back-up option in the away Test series. Dane Vilas who took up the role in the past signed a Kolpak and thus out of contention. “With Dane Vilas no longer available for selection, it was an opportunity to reward someone else. This will be an excellent opportunity for Heinrich and we wish him all the best.” Zondi said.

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Faf du Plessis now has as many as six options in the pace bowling department. The attack that boasts of Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Wayne Parnell will be further bolstered with the addition of Olivier, Morkel, and Morris.

“Morne Morkel has worked hard on his fitness over the past few months and we believe he is now 100 per cent fit and fully able to compete for his place in the team,” Zondi added. “We have six quality fast bowlers in the squad and that shows just how much of depth the country has in this department.”

Completing the bowling attack is left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj who is the only slow bowler in the team. One South African team is already in New Zealand playing the five-match ODI series that they are leading 1-1.

South Africa Test squad:

Faf du Plessis (C), Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Theunis de Bruyn, Heinrich Klaasen, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris.