Proteas

Klaasen’s impressive form earns Test call-up

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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 16: Heinrich Klaasen of Multiply Titans during the T20 Challenge Final between Multiply Titans and Warriors at SuperSport Park on December 16, 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Rynners/Gallo Images)

Titans wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen has been called up to the three-match Test squad to face New Zealand, while Morne Morkel returns.

The selectors have named two uncapped players in Klaasen and Theunis de Bruyn, while experienced paceman Morkel returns to the squad after missing the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.

There is also place for fellow fast bowler Chris Morris, who was out injured for a large part of last year, after making his debut against England. Dale Steyn has not recovered in time.

Another quick, Duanne Olivier, who made his first appearance for South Africa against Sri Lanka last month, has been retained. Olivier was the only bowler to take over 50 wickets during the Sunfoil Series.

The inclusion of wicketkeeper Klaasen, 25, comes on the back of impressive form for the Titans.

The right-hander was seventh on the run-scoring charts, with 635 runs at an average of 48.84, including a season-best 195.

‘Heinrich Klaasen was one of the top performers throughout the season and he is rewarded for his form by being included in the Test squad,’ commented CSA selection convener Linda Zondi.

‘With Dane Vilas no longer available for selection, it was an opportunity to reward someone else. This will be an excellent opportunity for Heinrich and we wish him all the best.’

Meanwhile, De Bruyn, 24, keeps his place after he was also chosen for the squad against Sri Lanka. He was the third-highest scorer, with 751 runs in the Sunfoil Series, and captain of the competition winning Knights.

Olivier, Morkel and Morris join Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Wayne Parnell in the squad, giving South Africa plenty of options in the fast-bowling department.

‘Morne Morkel has worked hard on his fitness over the past few months and we believe he is now 100 percent fit, and fully able to compete for his place in the team,’ Zondi added. ‘We have six quality fast bowlers in the squad and that shows just how much of depth the country has in this department.’

Keshav Maharaj is the only spinner in the squad.

The players who are currently not involved in the ODI series will depart for New Zealand on Saturday to prepare and acclimatise ahead of the first Test starting in Dunedin on 8 March.

 Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (c) (Titans) Stephen Cook (Highveld Lions) Dean Elgar (Titans) Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras) JP Duminy (Cape Cobras) Temba Bavuma (Highveld Lions) Quinton de Kock (Titans) Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras) Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins) Wayne Parnell (Cape Cobras) Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions) Duanne Olivier (Knights) Theunis de Bruyn (Knights) Heinrich Klaasen (Multiply Titans) Morne Morkel (Titans) Chris Morris (Titans).

Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images