South Africa have included uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Heino Kuhn in their 16-man squad for the four-match Test series versus England.
Kuhn replaces opener Stephen Cook, who has been dropped following a poor outing in New Zealand earlier this year. The 34-year-old Cook, who began his Test career with a century last year, made only 17 runs in four innings in New Zealand. Besides Kuhn, allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo and prodigious batsman Aiden Markram have also earned maiden call-ups to the Test squad.
Kuhn, 33, has been rewarded for his consistency in the first class level. He slammed a double century against Hampshire and followed it up with a century against England Lions while playing for South Africa A. Overall, he averages 44.71 in first class cricket with 23 centuries to boot. Kuhn has represented his national side only in the Twenty20 format, with his most recent appearance coming against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
“Heino Kuhn has shown outstanding form for South Africa A on their recent tour of England which included a double century in the four-day match against Hampshire and a further century against the England Lions,” CSA Selection Convener, Linda Zondi said. “He certainly deserved his place on consistent form which also includes back-to-back Sunfoil Series seasons.
“Andile’s selection is a continuation of our drive to develop bowling all-rounders for the Test team. He and Chris Morris will fill this role in support of Vernon Philander. At the age of 21 he is certainly one for the future,” he further added.
South Africa will go into the series with a lone specialist spinner in the form of Keshav Maharaj with offspinner Dane Piedt, who was called up in New Zealand, facing the axe. With uncertainty surrounding the availability of regular skipper Faf du Plessis for the first Test at Lord’s due to the impending birth of his child, Dean Elgar, who will lead the side in the warmup game against England Lions, has also been named as the standby skipper for the Lord’s opener.
Squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada
