Titans all-rounder Neil Brand is effectively among the candidates to captain the Proteas during next year’s Test series against New Zealand.
The tour of New Zealand will coincide with the SA20. Several first-choice Test players, who are contracted to SA20 franchises, won’t tour New Zealand. This includes current Test captain Temba Bavuma.
Brand is not contracted to an SA20 franchise – and is currently captaining South Africa A against West Indies A.
Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad is also South Africa A head coach.
“The SA A squad was selected with the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand in mind,” said Conrad recently.
“Neil will captain the side as he possesses that toughness and resilience that we are always after.”
Brand is captain of the Titans in the 4-Day Domestic Series. He was named South Africa A captain ahead of Western Province batsman Tony de Zorzi.
De Zorzi captained South Africa A during this year’s tour of Sri Lanka.
“I was a bit surprised to be named captain, but I am just trying to take things in my stride and doing the best for the team,” said Brand.
“This is a huge opportunity for everyone involved, but personally I am not looking too far ahead. I’m just focusing on the next game.
“I am sure there will be certain guys who will be given opportunities and the nice thing is that if you do well, you never know what may happen.
“It has been very refreshing to work with Shukri – he has a vast knowledge of the game. He only says things that need to be said. He is very straightforward.
“My style of captaincy is very much one for human beings before cricket players and it is something I am quite big on.
“For me, it’s about trying to work as hard as I can – be the hardest working person on the team. If I can do that, hopefully the guys will follow.”