South African squad unlikely to have too many changes

South Africa’s squad for the three-Test series against England is unlikely to have too many changes from the team which played on New Zealand tour. Andrew Hudson’s national selection panel convenor confirmed to on Tuesday that the squad would be revealed either on Wednesday or Thursday, and that it would be made up of 15 players.

Considering that no South African first-class cricket of any significance has been played subsequently, it would be a surprise if the squad differed much, if at all, from that combination.


The Proteas have a pretty settled “first XI” for relatively standard pitch conditions, which currently comprises: Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Mark Boucher, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir.

The reserve pacemen are young Marchant de Lange and the left-armer Lonwabo Tsotsobe.


If the selectors do opt for precisely the same 15 who toured New Zealand much more recently, the squad would show six changes from the one which last visited England in 2008, when the Proteas earned a landmark 2-1 triumph in a four-Test series.

Out of the reckoning now are Ashwell Prince (vice-captain then), Paul Harris, Neil McKenzie, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini and Monde Zondeki.

South Africa’s plays the first Test from July 19-23 at The Oval; second Test from August 2-6 at Headingley; and third Test from August 16-20 at Lord’s.