Proteas coach Shukri Conrad calls up uncapped SA20 quartet for first T20I squad

The countdown to next year’s ICC T20 World Cup has officially begun with Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad announcing a new-look squad for the upcoming T20I series Tri-Series in Zimbabwe. 

 The tournament, featuring hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand, is scheduled to take place from 14 to 26 July in Harare. 

The 14-player squad will feature four new faces in Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Rubin Hermann and spinner Senuran Muthusamy.

Rassie van der Dussen has also been appointed captain of the squad.

Both Pretorius and Hermann made headlines in the recently concluded SA20 competition, showcasing explosive performances. Pretorius was a standout for Paarl Royals, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer with an impressive 397 runs, including a stunning 97 off just 51 balls against the Eastern Cape Sunrisers. 

Hermann also shone, batting at number three with 333 runs at an impressive strike rate of 128.08 and an average of 41.43.

Bosch, who is already capped in ODIs and Tests, is set to bring his valuable experience into play after a remarkable season with MI Cape Town, where he helped secure their SA20 title with 11 wickets in eight matches. 

Meanwhile, Muthusamy fills a key role as one of the primary spinners, joining the ranks of George Linde and Nqaba Peter.

Another significant highlight is the return of Dewald Brevis to the T20I scene, having last competed in two matches against Australia in 2023. 

His skills will complement the side, while the bowling contingent is notably strengthened with the return of fast bowlers Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee. 

Burger is back in action for the first time since October, recovering from a lumbar stress fracture, while Coetzee, now fully fit after a groin injury, last played for the Proteas in November.

This tri-series also marks a special milestone for Conrad, as it is his inaugural T20I assignment since taking the reins as the head coach for South Africa’s senior men’s team across all formats. 

The squad is scheduled to gather for a two-day training camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from 9-10 July, under the watchful eyes of SA A head coach Wandile Gwavu, before they depart for Harare on 11 July.

“This T20I tri-series marks the start of our preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup. With several senior players rested as part of their workload management, it creates space for these players to step in and show what they can offer, and bring them into contention for World Cup selection,” Conrad said.

South Africa's campaign kicks off with a match against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on 14 July. 

“This T20I tri-series marks the start of our preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup. With several senior players rested as part of their workload management, it creates space for these players to step in and show what they can offer, and bring them into contention for World Cup selection.

“Lhuan-dré and Rubin have been rewarded for their outstanding domestic form in the SA20 and we’re excited to see how they adapt to the demands of international cricket. 

“We know what Corbin has to offer at this level and we are keen to see how his Test and ODI skills will translate to the T20I arena.

“Having three quality spin options gives us a great deal of variety, especially in conditions like Harare. 

“Senuran has been impressive in the domestic setup and his ability to contribute with the bat adds great balance to the squad.

“Rassie has led the side before and brings experience to the role, while providing valuable support to the younger players on this tour,” concluded Conrad.

Proteas Squad - T20I Tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand

Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane