South Africa’s skipper and wicketkeeper for the Tests against New Zealand – Neil Brand – has brushed aside concerns voiced about the limited experience possessed by the squad. With eight uncapped players named in the squad while the seniors are rested for the SA20, the move drew much flak from cricketers and fans, triggering a debate about Tests and T20s.
Proteas skipper fends off criticism over NZ Tests
Speaking to reporters ahead of the series, Proteas skipper Brand noted that people had written the team off and countered that the main goal of the side was to win the series in New Zealand. He argued that despite the limited experience possessed by the squad, each player had played 96 first-class games on an average. Brand further said that going to New Zealand as underdogs was helpful for them as it served as motivation.
“People have written us off but at the end of the day we are still wearing a Proteas badge and we are desperate to come back to South Africa with something.”
There may be limited test experience in the squad, but at first class level they average almost 100 matches each.
“This team has 96 (first class) games per player on an average so that’s a lot of cricket,” Brand said. “There is a lot of experience in terms of domestic cricket and that has to count for something.
“No-one has any baggage; we are just going there to give it our best shot. It is good to go to New Zealand as underdogs. We are using that as motivation.”
South Africa Test Team squad for New Zealand – Neil Brand (c), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo
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