South Africa’s cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20I series against India, with the exciting return of fast bowlers Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, both of whom have been out of international action due to conditioning breaks. The series is set to commence on November 8, 2024.
Jansen last donned the national colors during the T20 World Cup in June, while Coetzee last featured in the T20I series against the West Indies in May. Both players have made significant progress in their rehabilitation, with Jansen recovering from a shoulder issue and Coetzee from a hip niggle. Their return comes as South Africa aims to bolster its bowling attack ahead of crucial fixtures.
In a strategic move, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has initiated structured breaks for players to focus on conditioning, allowing Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada, who have been rested for the series, to manage their workloads as they prepare for South Africa’s upcoming Test matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in the squad, emphasizing the need to provide opportunities to emerging talents. Notably, Anrich Nortje, who opted out of a national contract, has been excluded from the squad to allow other bowlers a chance to shine. “We need to give some of our other bowlers an opportunity to play quality opposition,” Walter stated.
The T20I squad sees the inclusion of several prominent players who were absent from recent white-ball fixtures, including Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Keshav Maharaj. The team will be led by Aiden Markram, with Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton expected to open the batting.
Emerging all-rounders Mihlali Mpongwana and Andile Simelane have earned their first T20I call-ups after impressing in the domestic T20 Challenge. Both players were among the joint second-leading wicket-takers in the tournament, showcasing their potential to contribute significantly to the team.
The squad also welcomes Donovan Ferreira, the third-highest run-scorer in the T20 Challenge, and includes Patrick Kruger and Lutho Sipamla, who will join the squad for the third and fourth matches. Sipamla’s recent standout performance in the T20 Challenge final, where he took 4 for 12, highlighted his readiness to return to international cricket.
In a noteworthy absence, Tabraiz Shamsi was not selected after opting out of a national contract. Walter acknowledged Shamsi’s experience but opted for the inclusion of Nqabayomzi Peter, indicating a balanced approach between seasoned players and newcomers.
As for Quinton de Kock, his status remains unchanged, with Walter emphasizing that the ball is in de Kock’s court regarding his international future.
The T20I series against India promises to be an exciting contest, as South Africa seeks to leverage its blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talent. The matches will kick off in Durban and Gqeberha before heading to the Highveld for the latter games.
South Africa Squad for T20Is against India
– Aiden Markram (captain)
– Ottneil Baartman
– Gerald Coetzee
– Donovan Ferreira
– Reeza Hendricks
– Marco Jansen
– Heinrich Klaasen
– Patrick Kruger
– Keshav Maharaj
– David Miller
– Mihlali Mpongwana
– Nqaba Peter
– Ryan Rickelton
– Andile Simelane
– Lutho Sipamla
– Tristan Stubbs
