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On Tuesday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) officially announced the squad for the upcoming historic one-off Test against England.
Laura Wolvaardt has been appointed as the captain of the Proteas team for this pivotal match. The Test is scheduled to commence on December 15 at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
Key changes in the South Africa Test squad
The squad named by CSA includes the same players who are currently part of the three-match One Day International (ODIs) series against England. The move highlights the consistency in player selection while maintaining continuity as South Africa transitions from the shorter format to the longest format of the game.
However, an important change has been made in the bowling department. Right medium-fast bowler Tumi Sekhukhune has been included in the squad to replace Ayabonga Khaka, who will not feature in the longer format setup. Sekhukhune brings versatility to the team, having played her last Test match against India in July 2024. This change will provide added flexibility and depth to South Africa’s bowling arsenal ahead of the series opener.
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Experienced players make a comeback to the Test format
Several notable players are making their return to the longer format of the game as part of the Test squad. Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi and Chloé Tryon are three key names who are making comebacks after playing limited-overs cricket in recent years.
Goodall returns as a middle-order batter after playing her last Test match in June 2022 against England, while Hlubi, a reliable right-arm medium-fast bowler, and Tryon, an experienced all-rounder, are both returning after featuring in their last Test appearances against Australia in February 2024. Their inclusion offers valuable experience, and proven skill sets that will undoubtedly strengthen the Proteas squad as they face a challenging opponent in England.
South Africa’s Test squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloé Tryon, Tumi Sekhukhune
