Coach Russell Domingo is excited to work with the next generation of international cricketers as they prepare for the T20 series against Sri Lanka starting 20 January.

The Proteas squad boasts six new recruits in Jon-Jon Smuts, Theunis de Bruyn, Mangaliso Mosehle, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson and Lungi Ngidi, players who have been rewarded for consistent performances in the domestic T20 Challenge.

‘I’m excited by the group of players that I’m going to be working with,’ Domingo said.

‘I’m not going to be seeing Faf, JP, Hashim, AB, KG, there are going to be 13 completely new players who will be so hungry and desperate to make an impression on South African cricket, that is exciting for us (coaches).

‘I’ve told our coaches that we have to have our “A game” because it will be like the first day of school for a lot of these players. They are so desperate to play for their country and it’s exciting for me to get to work with that type of new players.’

The Sri Lanka series will give Domingo and the selectors an indication of the depth of the resources South African cricket possesses, and more importantly, give newcomers an opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage.

The next ICC World T20 has not been officially confirmed but youngsters in the new-look squad must take this opportunity to make an impression to further their chances for international honours in all formats while keeping an eye on the next major tournament.

Farhaan Behardien has been selected as stand-in captain for the first two matches with AB de Villiers looking to make his return as skipper in the final T20 match against Sri Lanka in Cape Town.

See more on our new recruits: here