South Africa name uncapped Theunis de Bruyn for home Tests against Sri Lanka

South Africa announced the 13-man squad for the three Tests of the home series against Sri Lanka starting December 26. The selectors named uncapped right-handed batsman Theunis de Bruyn as a replacement for injured Rilee Rossouw. They have reduced the size of the squad from 16 to 13 players since they are playing at home and have avoided naming backup players.

Along with Rilee former skipper AB de Villiers, pace bowling spearhead Dale Steyn and fast bowler Morne Morkel were also unavailable for selection. With the selectors opting against naming a backup keeper and spinner Dane Vilas and Tabraiz Shamsi could not make a cut.

Keshav Maharaj who recently made his debut in the series against Australia is a part of the team. Allrounder Wayne Parnell, who couldn’t take part in the tour down under due to injury, makes a comeback to the squad.

“De Bruyn is the latest player to be rewarded for consistently good form at franchise and South Africa A level,” CSA selection convener, Linda Zondi was quoted by SACricketMag as saying. “He has an outstanding first-class career average of 48.73 (6 centuries) and has made 423 runs at 60.42 in this season’s Sunfoil Series four-day competition.

“As far as the overall squad is concerned they deserve the fullest vote of confidence for their performances in the two recent Test series against New Zealand and Australia and we are looking forward to more of the same against Sri Lanka.

“Credit to AB de Villiers for the smooth way the leadership transition has taken place. We certainly look forward to having him back for the limited-overs portion of the tour. Faf has done an outstanding job in the last two Test series and our leadership is in very good hands,” concluded Zondi.

South Africa Test squad:

Faf du Plessis (Titans, C), Kyle Abbott (Warriors), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras), Temba Bavuma (Highveld Lions), Stephen Cook (Highveld Lions), Theunis de Bruyn (Knights), Quinton de Kock (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Dean Elgar (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Wayne Parnell (Cape Cobras), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions).