Credit: X

Credit: X

Neil Brand, the uncapped opening batter, is named as the captain of the South Africa Test team for their two-match series in New Zealand in February next year. The Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a makeshift 14-member squad for the New Zealand tour, which will have only three players from the ongoing two-match Test series at home against India.

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Only Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, and Zubayr Hamza, the replacement for the injured captain Temba Bavuma from the Test series against India, will be travelling to New Zealand after taking part in the Cape Town match for South Africa in the new year. Also, none of the first-choice bowlers will be playing for the Proteas against the Blackcaps in one of the toughest places to play Test cricket.

With most of the main players set to play in the SA20, the 14-member South African squad boasts seven uncapped players who could start the first of two Tests against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from February 4 onwards. The second and final Test of the series between New Zealand and South Africa will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 13 onwards.

South Africa Test squad for two-match series in New Zea land: 

Neil Brand (c), 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