Published: Aug 06, 2017, 10:41 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 06, 2017, 10:44 AM (IST)
After a gruelling ODI tri-series with India A and Afghanistan A, South Africa A are now gearing up for a four-day game. Their opponent will be India, who will be high on confident from their show in the tri-series. South Africa will be bolstered with the inclusion of Aiden Markram, who will also lead the side taking over from Khaya Zondo. Markram was called in as cover for Faf du Plessis, after he missed the first Test against England at Lord’s due to the birth of his first child. Cricket South Africa (CSA) did not call back Markram after du Plessis’ arrival, and instead handed the 22-year-old lad more time with the senior side.
He was not given a debut, but his socializing with the national side would have given him some insights. Markram skippered South Africa to a successful triumph in 2014 Under-19 World Cup. Speaking on the four-day match, CSA’s Linda Zondi said, “This is a very important series after the disappointing Test match against the England Lions earlier this year. This is a golden opportunity for the players to show what they can do under conditions they know well against testing opposition.” This A side also features players who participated in the ongoing Test series between South Africa and England — Andile Phehlukwayo and Duanne Olivier. Stephen Cook is also included in side after being dropped, along side David Miller and Dane Piedt.
The first of the 2 four-day matches will begin on August 12 at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni and the second, from August 19, at Groenkloof Stadium, Pretoria.
SA A squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Stephen Cook, Junior Dala, Beuran Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Piedt, Omphile Ramela, Rudi Second, Jason Smith, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.
