South Africa will start a two-Test series against Sri Lanka later this month. The hosts’ squad is dotted with players who haven’t been capped in the longest format of international cricket yet. That could change at SuperSport Park in Centurion on 26 December 2020.
Raynard van Tonder
Van Tonder was a late addition to the squad and has effectively demanded selection after scoring plenty of runs at domestic level for the Knights. He might open the innings alongside the veteran Dean Elgar, who could really teach the youngster a lot.
Kyle Verreynne
The Cape Cobras wicketkeeper-batsman broke into the ODI XI and then made his intentions clear to make it into the Test squad. He has done that on the back of several half-centuries in first-class cricket. His lack of conversion to three figures is a bit of a concern, but his solidity in the middle order is really something the Proteas could use. He could prove a popular figure in the markets and events with Betway cricket betting. South Africa have produced several really good wicketkeeper-batsmen and Verreynne might be among them in the future.
Lutho Sipamla
Like van Tonder, the Lions fast bowler was a late addition to the squad. His move from the Warriors has seen him grow in popularity with the international selectors. He has a few limited-overs appearances for the Proteas to his name – and might add a debut Test soon enough. With Kagiso Rabada absent and Dale Steyn no longer playing the longest format of the international game, names like Sipamla are being afforded opportunity more quickly than in the past. This Betway series could be another example of this happening.
Glenton Stuurman
Stuurman is another young fast bowler coming through the ranks. He was in the squad for the recent limited-overs series against England, but didn’t get a game. He may well be picked for the series opener in Centurion, where conditions could really suit his art. Stuurman is a genuine talent and has been on the Proteas’ radar for a significant period. Now could be the time for him to turn that potential into solid results.
Sarel Erwee
The Dolphins opener was a relatively surprise selection for the Test series against the Sri Lankans. He, like van Tonder, has been producing a slew of superb performances in franchise cricket. He also knows how to bat really well in List A competition. But it’s his ability in the four-day game that could see him get a go in five-day cricket. Erwee is a longstanding servant of South African domestic cricket. Debuting for the Proteas in this Betway Test series would be due reward.
And Wiaan Mulder
It wouldn’t quite be a debut for Mulder, who played a single Test in 2019. But it would be something of a second dawn for the young all-rounder if he gains a second cap in Centurion. South Africa are effectively looking at options in the wake of Vernon Philander’s retirement from international cricket. They need another solid all-rounder batting in seventh or eight position in the order and bowling their fair share of overs. Mulder isn’t exactly going to perform the role with the ball Philander used to, but he’s probably going to have a stronger impact with the willow. Another option for this is Dwaine Pretorius.