South Africa sprung a surprise by announcing a completely new-look Test squad for their tour of New Zealand in January, with a number of first-choice players missing out due to the SA20.

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South Africa’s new look squad – who captains the side?

The squad will be led by Neil Brand, the 27-year-old Gauteng born all-rounder, who is yet to play international cricket. The squad bears a completely different look from the one currently playing India, with only three players – Keegan Petersen, Zubayr Hamza and David Bedingham – part of the existing squad.

Why does the squad bear a different look?

With the second season of SA20, South Africa’s domestic T20 tournament, set to run from January 10 to February 10, the two-Test tour seems to have taken a backseat, with the clash resulting in a high percentage of uncapped players. The first Test begins on February 4, while the second starts on February 13.

It will also be South Africa’s first Test series after Dean Elgar’s retirement. Elgar retires after the New Year’s Test against India, at Cape Town.

A total of seven capped players make the squad of 14, with Duanne Olivier the most experienced of the lot with 12 Tests. He last played a Test in 2022.

Others making a comeback include Dane Piedt, the off-spinner who last played a Test in 2019, and had seemingly opted to end his South Africa career in 2020 to move to USA.

The 37-year-old Shaun von Berg, a veteran of 135 first-class matches, could be in line for his Test debut.

Players currently in the squad for the India Tests and not selected for this tour are: Temba Bavuma (out of second Test), Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee (out of second Test), Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Dean Elgar (retiring from Test cricket).

South Africa squad for New Zealand tour

Neil Brand (C), David Bedingham, Zubayr Hamza, Dane Piedt, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.

New Zealand v South Africa: Test schedule

First Test – February 4 to 8 – Mount Manganui

Second Test – February 13 to 17 – Hamilton

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