Cricket South Africa has announced South Africa Asquad for their upcoming multi-format tour of India. There will be two four-day matches at the BCCI Centre
of Excellence in Bengaluru) and three one-day matches at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
Marques Ackerman will lead both the teams while Test skipper Temba Bavuma has been included in the squad for the second First-Class encounter as he charts his return to the team after recovering from injury ahead of the two-match Test series against India in November.
Kyle Simmonds, the 31-year-old bowling all-rounder, has earned his maiden SA A call-up to the four-day unit. On the other hand, all-rounder Delano Potgieter has been included for the first time in the List A squad.
South Africa A head coach Wandile Gwavu expressed excitement in touring India in what he described as a set of players who have had significant improvement in tackling the dry and dusty spin-bowling conditions of India.
“We’re looking forward to this tour and are eager to take on the challenge of competing against India in their own backyard. Our ability to play and bowl spin has improved significantly over the years, so playing in the subcontinent, which will be a first for many of the players, will be a good test. We’re definitely up for it as a team," stated Gwavu, as quoted by SuperSport.
He also emphasised the importance of the upcoming tour and in particular the multi-day series being an invaluable learning curve for the emerging South African talents.
“It’s been a while since South Africa A last toured India, and playing there always demands adaptability and mental toughness. Gaining experience on subcontinent surfaces and learning to adapt to varying conditions, specially in the red-ball format, will be invaluable for our players as we continue to build towards future tours and potential Proteas opportunities,” he added.
South Africa A's four-day squad against India A
Marques Ackerman (c), Temba Bavuma*, Okuhle Cele, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Simmonds, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Jason Smith, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf
*only for the second four-day game
South Africa A's ODI squad against India A
Marques Ackerman (c), Ottneil Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Delano Potgieter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Jason Smith, Codi Yusuf
South Africa A vs India A Four-Day series fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 6 – 9 October | India A v South Africa A | BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru |
| 30 October – 2 November | India A v South Africa A | BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru |
South Africa A vs India A One-Day series fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 13 November | India A v South Africa A | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot |
| Sunday, 16 November | India A v South Africa A | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot |
| Wednesday, 19 November | India A v South Africa A | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot |
