The CPL could be the cause behind Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller and Tabraiz Shamsi's isolation
Strong bowling Kwena Maphaka, who was the Player of the Tournament at this year's Under-19 World Cup, is in range for a top international comeback after being included in South Africa's crew to perform West Indies in three T20Is later this month.
The call-up tops a stellar month for Maphaka, who helped South Africa U-19 to the semi-final of the World Cup, where he took 21 batsmen at an average of 9.71. He even made his municipal album for Lions just before that, and was picked by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024, all in the space of three months.
" Kwena has been identified as a player with considerable ability, and this trip presents a wonderful opportunity to include him in the Proteas atmosphere, and gain valuable global knowledge", South Africa's white-ball coach Rob Walter said.
Maphaka has shown a remarkable level of maturity in juggling control and speed against some of the game's best young batters in his short career. He is completing his final year at school, with matriculation examinations imminent, but will take some time away from the books to possibly make his international cricket bow.
Jason Smith, a middle-order batter who was Dolphins ' top-scorer in the CSA T20 challenge in 2023-24, is the other new name in South Africa's playing group.
South Africa's squad features a mix of old and new names and is lacking from a number of regulars, with T20I cricket taking a backseat following the recent World Cup and the upcoming one two years away. Quinton de Kock is perhaps the most notable absentee from the T20 World Cup squad- he has not confirmed his international retirement, although it has been widely speculated.
De Kock had indicated that the T20 World Cup in June this year would be his final international assignment after resuming his Test career in 2021 and his ODI career in 2023. However, he has not made a definite announcement yet, and will be playing for Barbados Royals in the CPL, which starts on August 30, three days after the third and final T20I against West Indies.
The CPL could also be the reason behind the exclusion of Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller and Tabraiz Shamsi, although Tristan Stubbs, who has been signed by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, has been included in the squad. Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen are being rested, while Nqaba Peter, the legspinner who made his T20I debut against West Indies in May, could not be considered as he continues rehabilitation after a shoulder injury.
That will leave the main spin-bowling duties to Bjorn Fortuin, who was a reserve player at the T20 World Cup.
Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace pack, with Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams alongside, while Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger will provide seam-bowling allrounder options. Matthew Breetzke is not available, but Rashe van der Dussen has been called back after missing out on the T20 World Cup. Aiden Markram, meanwhile, will continue to captain the side.
Walter said," This tour allows us to keep expanding our player pool while retaining the core of experienced players." Similar to the last time we played against West Indies in May, it will also expose our emerging talent to top international competition.
From August 23 through August 27, the three games will all be played at Brian Lara Stadium. South Africa had also toured the West Indies for three T20Is in May, just before the T20 World Cup, but lost that series 0-3.
South Africa squad for T20I series in the West IndiesAiden Markram ( capt ), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams
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