Marques Ackerman has earned his maiden Test call-up after being included in South Africa’s preliminary 18-player squad for the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban.

The Dolphins batter is the only uncapped player in the squad, while Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson have all returned to the Test setup ahead of the three-match series.

Kagiso Rabada has also been included as he continues his recovery from a right hamstring injury.

The first Test will take place from 9–13 October, with the Proteas gathering in Durban from 1 October for an extended preparation camp.

Ackerman rewarded for impressive SA A form

Ackerman’s selection follows an outstanding run with South Africa A.

The 30-year-old has scored more than 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball appearances for SA A, averaging 82.92.

That run includes four centuries and a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A in August.

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad believes Ackerman has earned his opportunity through both his batting and his leadership of the SA A side.

“On the batting front, we’ve stuck with our core group. It’s great to have Marques in the squad. The way he has led the SA ‘A’ side, both as captain and through his performances with the bat, has earned him this opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to having him in the Test environment.”

Rabada given time to prove his fitness

One of the major questions ahead of the first Test will be whether Rabada is ready to return.

The fast bowler is recovering from a right hamstring injury, but CSA has included him in the preliminary squad to give him an opportunity to prove his match readiness.

“We also want to give Kagiso every chance of being available for selection for the first Test, and the two-day game will give us a clearer picture of where he is in terms of his match readiness,” Conrad said.

South Africa will, however, be without several other fast bowlers.

Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi were not considered for selection as they continue their rehabilitation from their respective hamstring injuries.

Nortje, Coetzee and Paterson return

The Proteas have received a boost with Nortje, Coetzee and Paterson returning to the Test setup, giving Conrad several pace options to assess before the squad is reduced.

South Africa have initially selected 18 players because of the extended build-up to the Test.

“We’ve selected a preliminary squad because we have an extended build-up to the first Test, with the group getting together in Durban on 1 October,” Conrad explained.

“We’ll have a couple of training days, a two-day intra-squad match and scenario-based training, which will give us an opportunity to assess the group and conditions before settling on our final 15.

“Having a larger bowling group gives us the flexibility to cover all bases. We have different options across the squad and the next week will give us an opportunity to determine which combinations are best suited to the conditions.”

Preliminary Proteas squad for first Australia Test

Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.

South Africa vs Australia Test series

1st Test: 9–13 October, Kingsmead, Durban

2nd Test: 18–22 October, St George’s Park, Gqeberha

3rd Test: 27–31 October, Newlands, Cape Town

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