JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the South Africa A (SA A) squads for their upcoming multi-format tour to India later this month.
The four-day squad will take on the hosts in two matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from 30 October – 09 November, while the one-day side will contest a three-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from 13 – 19 November.
Marques Ackerman will lead both sides, with Test captain Temba Bavuma included in the squad for the second first-class match as part of his return-to-play program ahead of the Test series against India in November.
WSB Western Province spinner Kyle Simmonds has earned his maiden SA A call-up to the four-day side, while DP World Lions all-rounder Delano Potgieter has been included for the first time in the 50-over squad.
The A sides head into the tour following a competitive tour against New Zealand A at home, where they clinched the one-day series 2-1, although they were defeated 0-1 in the four-day series.
SA A head coach Wandile Gwavu said: “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.
“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.”
The four-day squad will depart for Bengaluru from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 25 October.
South Africa A Four-Day Squad against India A
Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions)*, Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Simmonds (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tsepo Ndwandwa (Momentum Multiply Titans), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tiaan van Vuuren (Knights), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).
*Second match only
South Africa A One-Day squad against India A
Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (Worlds Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions), Delano Potgieter (DP World Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sinethemba Qeshile (Warriors), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).
Management – Four-Day Series
Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Richard das Neves (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).
Management – One-Day Series
Wandile Gwavu (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Johan Pretorius (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).
Fixtures
Four-Day Series
30 October – 02 November
India A vs South Africa A – BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
06 – 09 October
India A vs South Africa A – BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
One-Day Series
Thursday, 13 November
India A vs South Africa A – Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Sunday, 16 November
India A vs South Africa A – Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Wednesday, 19 November
India A vs South Africa A – Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Source: cricket.co.za
Ravindra Jadeja – Born on December 6, 1988, in Jamnagar, Jadeja is an exceptional all-rounder known for his fielding, bowling, and batting. He has been a key player in all formats, contributing significantly to India’s success in recent years.
Mr. Thanksgiving
The Wallabies have a strong rivalry with the South Africa Springboks and the England national rugby team. Matches against these teams often attract significant attention, particularly when they occur during the Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri-Nations) or the Rugby World Cup.
StormCake
Sport Trivia: Who was the first golfer to win The Open (aka the British Open) in three different decades? Answer: Gary Player. Gary Player won The Open in 1959, 1968, and 1974. He went on to win 9 majors. He also set a record for playing in the most US Masters, with his 52nd in 2009. He was part of the big three in golf, playing in the 1960s together with Jack Nicklaus and Arnie Palmer. He is also known for his famous quote: \”The harder you practice the luckier you get.\”