South Africa have made significant changes for their next red-ball series against the West Indies, with David Bedingam, Dane Paterson and Dane Piedt the only three players retained from the makeshift squad that travelled to New Zealand for two Tests in February.
The Proteas' 16-man squad sees 12 players who were picked for South Africa's home series against India seven months ago return to the side, with opening-batter Matthew Breetzke, who was not a part of either of South Africa's last two series, also selected.
Wholesale changes from the squad that toured New Zealand
The Proteas' last Test series, a two-match assignment in New Zealand, did not see South Africa's top players play as they were instructed to stay back home, as the CSA gave precedence to the country's franchise tournament, the SA20, which was scheduled at the same time as the Test tour of New Zealand.
Bedingham was South Africa's top-scoring batter against New Zealand, whereas Piedt was their joint-leading wicket-taker – performances that have seen them retain their place in South Africa's first-choice squad for the West Indies series.
Paterson had middling returns against the Kiwis. However, he keeps his place as South Africa have rested pace-bowling-all-rounder Marco Jansen, who was in action at the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has today named a 16-player squad for the two-match Test series against West Indies, which starts on 07 August in Trinidad and Tobago.
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) July 8, 2024
Dafabet Warriors batter Matthew Breetzke has received his maiden Test call-up after impressing in last… pic.twitter.com/kBlTnDkugp
Breetzke comes into the side as a replacement for South Africa's enduring red-ball opener and former captain Dean Elgar, who played his final Test against India in January. The right-handed Breetzke made his T20I debut last year, and was also a part of the South Africa A team that toured Sri Lanka 13 months ago.
When does South Africa's tour of West Indies 2024 begin?
With South Africa's top red-ball players available once again, their established internationals have returned and will be led by Temba Bavuma for their two Tests in the West Indies as South Africa look to try and make their first-ever WTC Final.
South Africa will travel to the West Indies in August and will play the first of their two Tests at the Queen's Park Oval on August 7, a week after the West Indies complete their three-Test tour of England, which starts on Wednesday (July 10).
South Africa squad for West Indies Test Tour
Batters
Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs
Wicket-keepers
Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne
All-rounder
Wiaan Mulder
Bowlers
Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada
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