Conrad calls up rookies

THE countdown to next year’s T20 World Cup has officially begun with Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad announcing a new-look squad for the upcoming T20I series Tri-Series in Zimbabwe. 

The tournament, featuring hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand, is scheduled to take place from 14 to 26 July in Harare. 

The 14-player squad will feature four new faces in Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Rubin Hermann and spinner Senuran Muthusamy.

Rassie van der Dussen has also been appointed captain of the squad.

Both Pretorius and Hermann made headlines in the recently concluded SA20 competition, showcasing explosive performances. 

Bosch, who is already capped in ODIs and Tests, is set to bring his valuable experience into play after a remarkable season with MI Cape Town, where he helped secure their SA20 title with 11 wickets in eight matches. 

Meanwhile, Muthusamy fills a key role as one of the primary spinners, joining the ranks of George Linde and Nqaba Peter.

“This T20I tri-series marks the start of our preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup. With several senior players rested as part of their workload management, it creates space for these players to step in and show what they can offer, and bring them into contention for World Cup selection,” Conrad said.

Proteas T20 squad: Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane