Former Proteas all-rounder Jon-Jon Smuts was named in Italy’s XI for Friday, 23 January 2026’s T20I against Ireland in Dubai.
Smuts played six ODIs and 13 T20Is for South Africa from 2017 to 2021.
“I have qualified for Italy through my wife.” Smuts told Club Cricket SA.
“They told me that I could play for them since I have not played for South Africa for three years.”
Smuts has also been named in Italy’s squad for next month’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
This is the first time Italy have qualified for the T20 World Cup. They have been pooled with England, West Indies, Bangladesh and Nepal for the 2026 tournament – and will be captained by former Dolphins batsman Wayne Madsen.
International cricket for 2 countries
Italy have previously capped dual internationals, including former England seamer Jade Dernbach and former Australian batsman Joe Burns.
Last year, former New Zealand captain Ross Taylor became a dual international by debuting for Samoa in T20I cricket.
New Zealand and Australia’s Luke Ronchi, Netherlands and Australia’s Dirk Nannes, South Africa and United States of America’s Rusty Theron, Ireland and England’s Eoin Morgan – and New Zealand and United States of America’s Corey Anderson – are among several other players capped by two countries in T20I cricket.