South Africa announces Test squad for the last two games against Australia

South Africa will be playing the third Test against Australia beginning from 22nd March. The series is now levelled at 1-1 and both the teams will be looking to take the lead in the third Test. There has been a lot of action in the last few days. Players from both the teams were seen having a go at each other.

The selectors have opted for a large squad keeping the various circumstances in mind. Dale Steyn, who injured his heel in the first Test against India doesn’t find any room in the squad. Also, he is yet to play a competitive match and is expected to join the squad in the Fourth Test. Moreover, Fast bowler Duanne Olivier and all-rounder Chris Morris were added to the squad.

Bowling resources strengthened

Kagiso Rabada‘s participation in the rest of the series is hinging on whether he succeeds in his appeal against a Level 2 sanction on Monday. Hence, the selectors decided to boost the bowling resources. “Circumstances have forced us to name a large squad at this stage so that we can cover all possible options,” Linda Zondi, the convener of selectors, said.

“We have retained the 15 players who produced an excellent performance to level the Test series in Port Elizabeth. Olivier was the pick of our bowlers for South Africa A in their tour match against Australia while Morris has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, taking four wickets in an innings and making more than 150 runs, including a century, for the Titans in the Sunfoil Series against the log-leading Warriors,” he added to ESPN Cricinfo.

However, it is not guaranteed that either of Morris or Oliver will get a game even if Rabada is suspended. Morne Morkel, who did not play in Port Elizabeth, is likely to replace Rabada. Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi will make up the rest of the pace attack.

Here is the South Africa squad:

Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Wiaan Mulder, Lungisani Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris, Duanne Olivier.