Cricket South Africa announced on Wednesday, that there are two debutants in South Africa’s Twenty20 squad for the forthcoming three-match series against the West Indies.
One is Kwena Maphaka, an 18-year-old fast bowler who was named player of the tournament at the recent under-19 World Cup in South Africa and subsequently secured an Indian Premier League contract. The other one is Jason Smith, a true all-rounder who has exhibited his batting prowess as well as bowling skills during domestic T20 competition.
After being runners-up to India at the T20 World Cup in June, fifteen players will be travelling back to the Caribbean with South African team. But several key members have been omitted from this side for various reasons.
South Africa Squad:
Aiden Markram (c) Titans, Ottneil Baartman Dolphins, Nandre Burger Western Province, Donovan Ferreira Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Patrick Kruger Warriors. The others are; Kwena Maphaka Lions), Wiaan Mulder Lions), Lungi Ngidi Titans), Ryan Rickelton Lions), Jason Smith Dolphins), Tristan Stubbs Warriors ( Rassie van der Dussen (c) Lions) and Lizaad Williams Titans.
The coach Rob Walter said “There were several players who were not considered for this series because of injury or they have been doing conditioning blocks which are part of workload management or alternatively because they are involved in ongoing T20 leagues.”
Walter also emphasized on how important it is to have this tour as far as player development and international exposure is concerned.
“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players. It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition, similar to when we last played against West Indies in May,” he told Reuters.
Concerning Maphaka’s inclusion Walter explained “Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience.”
