For the upcoming Test series against Australia, South Africa has included Keshav Maharaj and Rassie van der Dussen in their squad

On Monday, the CSA National Selection Committee announced the 16-man squad that will represent South Africa in the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. The first match of the series will take place at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 17.

After putting in strong performances for his local squad, South Africa red-ball setup decided to give Gerald Coetzee his first call-up to the team. The 22-year-old bowler has played 13 first-class matches so far, during which he has collected a total of 40 wickets at an average of 28.82, including a career-high 4-47.

In addition to that, Theunis de Bruyn, who last played for the national team in 2019, has been called back into action. The right-hander has appeared in 12 tests for his country and has had great success with the Momentum Multiply Titans in the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series. He has a first-class average of 41.83, and he scored 143 runs in the match that won the championship for his team in the previous season.

Keshav Maharaj has been given the all-clear to travel, and another key batter, Rassie van der Dussen, has made a full recovery from the finger injury that forced him to miss the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the tour to England earlier this year. Rassie van der Dussen will now take his place in the squad. The spinner was playing in the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia when she suffered a minor injury to her groyne muscle. She is currently seeking treatment and therapy for her ailment.

Ryan Rickelton, who played the last of his three Tests against England in September, has an ankle injury that forced him to be overlooked by the national selectors but allows him to still be picked by his domestic team. Heinrich Klaasen will replace Rickelton as the wicketkeeper for the South African team.

Keegan Petersen, who bats at the top of the order, suffered a serious injury to his hamstring while playing for the Dolphins in the CSA T20 Challenge final, which took place in Potchefstroom earlier this month. As a result, he is also unavailable for selection.

The team will leave for Australia on December 1, and prior to their departure, they will participate in an unofficial four-day match against Cricket Australia XI at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane from December 9 through December 12. This match is part of the team’s preparation for their trip to Australia.

Victor Mpitsang, the National Convenor of Selectors, made the following statement: “The collection of players that has been put together for this excursion has exceeded our expectations. I believe that the selectors currently have a core group of Proteas that has been built, and that it is simply a matter of building on what we already have.”

“Temba, our vice captain, has made a successful recovery from his injury, and we are also relieved to have Rassie back after he suffered a finger injury in England. Both of these comebacks are very much appreciated. I am particularly thrilled about our pace assault, which is unquestionably increasing in stature and power “he added.