“It’s pretty clear that Erwee and Hamza will be pushing for the number 3 spot,” revealed South African Test captain, Dean Elgar, in his pre-departure address to the media ahead of South Africa’s tour to New Zealand.
Earlier in the day, a press release confirmed that Keegan Petersen would not be travelling to New Zealand because he had tested positive for COVID-19.
Zubayr Hamza had been drafted in as his replacement. Referring to the situation as “another curveball,” Elgar said it would have been ideal to watch Petersen build on his success against India, but it is also an opportunity for Erwee and Hamza to deliver performances for the team.
South Africa have travelled to New Zealand once in the last five years, and have not played a Test match in Christchurch since 1999.
“We’re going there with a blank piece of paper. See what the stats of the ground look like and use that in our favour,” said Elgar.
Elgar is wary of the threat that New Zealand presents in their own conditions. “They are up there with the best in the world. They are street smart with their cricket.”
Given this is a two-Test series, Elgar is keen on starting the series on a winning note because South Africa, in recent times, have been slow starters. “In a two-match series, we can’t start badly.”
Having won Test series against the West Indies and India in the second half of 2021, Elgar wants South Africa to “build on something that is great at the moment.”
“We’re in a good space at the moment. I don’t think we should take that for granted.”
Elgar was pleased to see ace seamer, Kagiso Rabada, get some time off before the Test series against New Zealand.
“I think KG’s workload in the last two Tests was immense. The intensity was the most I’ve seen from KG. I would have liked to think the last few days would have rejuvenated KG and his legs are less sore.”
South Africa depart for a Test series in New Zealand with considerable media coverage on events happening off the field, most notably the disciplinary process involving the allegations of racist behaviour against Head Coach, Mark Boucher.
Elgar’s frustration at the number of questions on Boucher’s disciplinary hearing was evident.
“Cricket remains cricket. That remains our priority. We need to stick together. Let this process follow its course. We’re here to win matches, win series. We’re still supporting our Head Coach because he’s a massive part of our group.”
Proteas Test squad vs New Zealand
Dean Elgar (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain, Imperial Lions), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Imperial Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Duanne Olivier (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Glenton Stuurman (Gbets Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province).
Team management
Mark Boucher (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Manager), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Justin Ontong (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Consultant), Malibongwe Maketa (Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist), Tumi Masekela (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Dr Shuaib Manjra (Team Dr), Sipokazi Sokanyile (Media Manager), Kyle Botha (Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security).
