Matthew Breetzke of South Africa has earned the maiden call-up for the West Indies Tests
Matthew Breetzke earned his maiden call-up to South Africa’s Test squad for the tour of West Indies, joining the Proteas’ red-ball regulars who missed out on the New Zealand tour earlier this year due to a scheduling conflict with the SA20.
The 25-year-old, with six T20Is to his name, is currently competing for Northamptonshire in the County Championship.
He previously featured in an ‘A’ squad that toured Sri Lanka last year.
Following the makeshift squad’s tour of New Zealand, only David Bedingham, Dane Paterson, and Dane Piedt retained their places in the squad led by Temba Bavuma.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton makes a comeback after last featuring in the home series against West Indies in early 2023, while seam-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen has been rested.
“The decision to rest Marco Jansen aims to ensure optimal physical and mental well-being given the season-long workloads,” stated Test coach Shukri Conrad in a CSA statement.
South Africa currently occupies the seventh position in the World Test Championship standings following their 0-2 defeat in New Zealand.
Following these two Tests in the Caribbean, they are set to play two more in Bangladesh in October before hosting Sri Lanka and Pakistan during the home summer.
“This tour holds significant importance as we strive to enhance our position in the ICC World Test Championship,” Conrad emphasized.
“Accordingly, we have selected our strongest possible squad and anticipate strong performances in the Caribbean.”
Players not currently participating in the MLC or County Championship will undergo a four-day camp in Durban before departing for the Caribbean.
The first Test is scheduled for August 7 at Port of Spain, Trinidad, followed by the second Test in Guyana starting on August 15.
South Africa Test squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Temba Bavuma |
| David Bedingham |
| Matthew Breetzke |
| Nandre Burger |
| Gerald Coetzee |
| Tony de Zorzi |
| Keshav Maharaj |
| Aiden Markram |
| Wiaan Mulder |
| Lungi Ngidi |
| Dane Paterson |
| Dane Piedt |
| Kagiso Rabada |
| Tristan Stubbs |
| Ryan Rickelton |
| Kyle Verreynne |
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