Reeza Hendricks, Dane Vilas, Aaron Phangiso and Kagiso Rabada, all of who have already played international limited-overs cricket, were the four uncapped players named in the South African squad for the two-Test series in Bangladesh in July- August.
While Hendricks came in as a replacement for Alviro Petersen, who retired from international cricket after South Africa beat West Indies 2-0 at home in January 2015, Vilas, a middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper, was inducted into the side in place of AB de Villiers, who has been granted paternity leave.
“The changes have been brought about partly by the retirement of Alviro Petersen and the non-availability of AB de Villiers who has been granted paternity leave,” said Andrew Hudson, the chief national selector. “Reeza and Stiaan van Zyl are both options to open the batting and Stiaan can also be used in AB’s batting position in the middle order. Dane provides us with the wicketkeeping cover that would normally also be AB’s responsibility.
“Aaron gives us a left-arm spin bowling option and we see this as the ideal opportunity to involve Kagiso in the Test team environment once again, so he will be the back-up fast bowling option,” added Hudson.
Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander were rested for the three-match One-Day International series, while Chris Morris, Ryan McLaren and Rabada were added to the team that made it to the World Cup semifinals.
Eddie Leie, the legspinner who has more than 250 domestic wickets in a nine-year career, has been drafted into the Twenty20 International side instead of the rested Imran Tahir.
“With next year’s ICC World Twenty20 to be played in India, we need to explore our bowling options under subcontinent conditions,” explained Hudson. “Morris has done well in the IPL as have David Wiese and Beuran Hendricks, and this tour represents an important opportunity to broaden their international playing experience.”
Tour Itinerary:
July 3: Warm-up match (Fatullah). July 5: I T20I. July 7: II T20I. July 10: I ODI.July 12: II ODI (all Mirpur). July 15: III ODI. July 21-25: I Test (both Chittagong).July 30-August 3: II Test (Mirpur).
