South Africa name uncapped Neil Brand captain of second-string squad for New Zealand Tests

South Africa on Saturday named a second-string team for the two-Test series in New Zealand in January, with the uncapped Neil Brand set to lead the 14-man side. Only three members of the squad selected for the ongoing series against India are set to feature in the New Zealand tour, with a majority of the first team players missing out owing to their commitments to their respective franchises in the second edition of the SA20 that will be taking place simultaneously. David Bedingham, who struck a lively 56 against India on debut in the first Test in Centurion, has been named in the squad alongside Keegan Petersen and Zubayr Hamza — who has been included for the second Test as a replacement for regular skipper Temba Bavuma. Johannesburg native Brand, who represents the Titans in the South African domestic circuit, has made a total of 51 First-Class appearances with 2,906 runs to his credit. The batting all-rounder is also quite handy with his left-arm orthodox spin, having collected 72 wickets along the way.

🟢 SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT 🟡

CSA has today announced a 14-player squad for the Proteas two-match Test tour of New Zealand next month🇿🇦🇳🇿#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/pLBxCrNvJF

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 30, 2023

The squad features as many as seven uncapped players including Brand, who will become the first uncapped cricketer to lead a team “The players selected for this tour have every chance of challenging New Zealand,” said South African Test coach Shukri Conrad, who pointed out that most of the players had shown their ability while playing for South Africa A in recent series against West Indies A and India A.

Congratulations Neil Brand on your maiden call up to @proteasmencsa! 😁👏🏼

Brand will captain the Proteas Test side in their 2 match series against New Zealand from 29 January 🇿🇦.#SkyBlues | #WhereLegendsRise pic.twitter.com/THB1T3MHKW

— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) December 30, 2023

Opening batter Dean Elgar, who is set to retire at the end of the India series, lead the Proteas to a commanding innings and 32-run victory over the Indians in Bavuma’s absence. Elgar struck a match-winning 185 in his final appearance at his home ground of the SuperSport Park, propelling the hosts to 408.  Kagiso Rabada (5/59) and Nandre Burger (4/33) starred with the ball in the first and second innings respectively as India could manage just 245 and 131 on either side of the Proteas innings. South African squad: Neil Brand (capt), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wkt), Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.