Proteas select deep batting line-up for first Test against West Indies in Trinidad

By SABC Sport
6th August 2024

The Proteas have selected a deep batting line-up for the first Test against the West Indies, starting on Wednesday, after captain Temba Bavuma announced the playing XI at the Queens Park Oval.

Bavuma confirmed that Ryan Rickelton will bat at number six followed by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne while all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will bat at number eight and operate as the third seamer.

Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are the two pacemen selected with left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger not finding a place in the team.

Keshav Maharaj will be the sole spinner with batters Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs expected to give Bavuma a few overs if the skipper requires.

Markram will open the batting with Tony de Zorzi, Stubbs will walk in at number three to be followed by Bavuma and David Bedingham slotting in at number five.

The Proteas start a two-match series in the Caribbean on Wednesday with the second Test scheduled to begin in Guyana on 15 August.

Proteas team for first Test against West Indies: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.