Maharaj to lead Proteas against Netherlands
A new-look Proteas side will take on the Netherlands in a
three match ODI series at the end of the month and the side will be led by
Hollywoodbets Dolphins all-rounder Keshav Maharaj.
Maharaj takes over the captaincy as the Proteas coaching staff and selectors have taken the decision to rest regular captain Temba Bavuma along with Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram.
The left-arm spinner has become a staple in the Proteas side across all three formats of the game and was an influential part of the side that nearly qualified for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup recently.
The squad will include first-time call-ups for Ryan Rickelton and Zubayr Hamza while Wayne Parnell and Khaya Zondo have received re-calls to the Proteas set-up for the three-match series.
Zondo has been in good form for the Dolphins recently as he registered his first ever first-class double hundred in their recent 4-Day Domestic Series match against Western Province.
Given the new look to the Proteas squad it's an important time for selectors to have a look at as many players as they can ahead of the World Cup in two years time.
“The National Selection Panel and I are excited to give this group of exciting cricketers a good go," Convenor of Selectors Victor Mpitsang said. "These selections are part of our strategy to give opportunities and reward the good work of players in our provincial system.
“We do not take this historic tour of the Netherlands to our shores lightly. We are keen to showcase the talent that South Africa has and to give opportunities to players who have been patient for a long time and are raring to go.”
The series forms part of the Cricket World Cup Super League and will provide the Proteas with crucial points in their bid to qualify for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Currently the Proteas sit in ninth place on the table with just three wins from their nine matches played so far while their opponents the Dutch currently occupy the last place on the table.
“On behalf of the Panel, I would like to wish Keshav Maharaj, coach, Mark Boucher and the team all of the very best as they look to make inroads into the team’s campaign to qualify for the 2023 ICC World Cup.”
The first two ODI's will take place at SuperSport Park while the third and final match of the series will take place at the Wanderers.
