Neil Brand set to lead inexperienced Proteas squad for Test tour to New Zealand

Most of the Proteas' first-choice players that thrashed India in the first Test in Centurion will not be available for the tour due it clashing with the SA20 tournament that Cricket South Africa (CSA) is prioritising.

Of the current squad doing duty against India, only David Bedingham, who scored a fifty on Test debut, Keegan Petersen and Zubayr Hamza will board the plane to New Zealand.

Brand is one of seven uncapped players - the others being batter Raynard van Tonder, all-rounders Ruan de Swardt and Mihlali Mpongwana, seam bowler Tshepo Moreki, spinner Shaun von Berg and wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin.

Those with Test caps already under their belt in the squad include batter Khaya Zondo along with pace pair Duanne Olivier and Dane Paterson, as well as spinner Dane Piedt.

The squad was recently involved for the South Africa 'A' team that beat West Indies 'A' 2-1 in a three-match first-class series.

Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad said: "The players picked for this tour have every chance of challenging New Zealand and we have full confidence they will do exactly that when we arrive for the first Test match at Mount Maunganui.

"Most of these guys participated in the recent 'A' series against West Indies where they showed that they have what it takes against players of international calibre.

"That experience will no doubt leave them in a better position for what we expect to be a testing series in New Zealand."

The Proteas will play a three-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI from 29 January at the Bay Oval before the Test series starts at the same venue from 4 February.

The second and final Test will be played from 13 February at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Proteas Test squad to tour New Zealand: Neil Brand (capt), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo

Tour itinerary

Warm-up match

29 – 31 January 

New Zealand XI vs South Africa – Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University  

Test Series

04 – 08 February

New Zealand vs South Africa – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui  

13 – 17 February

New Zealand vs South Africa – Seddon Park, Hamilton 

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