South Africa have dropped the IPL-tied players from their 15-man Test squad for the two-game home series against Bangladesh from March 31.
IPL 2022: South Africa drop Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram from testing squad for Bangladesh series (courtesy BCCI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- South Africa have dropped the likes of Rabada, Jansen and Ngidi from the Test squad
- 11 South African players were penned in by different IPL teams
- The first test begins on March 31 in Durban and the second on April 7
South Africa predictably dropped the IPL-bound players like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, as well as hitters Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen from their 15-man Test squad for the two-game home series against Bangladesh.
Jansen, impressed in the home series against India, was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad at the IPL auction while Punjab secured the services of Rabada. Ngidi will represent Delhi Capitals. Anrich Nortje’s availability is still open due to fitness issues. He was one of the retained players for the Delhi Capitals.
Cricket South Africa had said it was leaving it up to players to decide whether to play in the IPL or the series, which Test captain Dean Elgar had described as a “litmus test of loyalty”.
Middle-order hitter Khaya Zondo earned his first Test call-up, and uncovered fast Daryn Dupavillon also found a spot in the squad. Anrich Nortje meanwhile again missed the selection with long-term back and hip problems. It also means there is no clarity on his availability in the IPL where he is part of the Delhi Capitals squad. Nortje last played at the T20 World Cup in UAE in November 2021.
The IPL-tied players will fly to India for the tournament, which kicks off on March 26th as the conclusion of the ongoing ODI series. Under CSA’s current MoU with the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), the Board cannot refuse players participation in the IPL as both organizations seek to balance players’ livelihoods and opportunities with their duties to the national team .
The first test begins on March 31st in Durban and the second on April 7th in Port Elizabeth.
South Africa test squad: Dean Elgar (Captain), Temba Bavuma (Vice-Captain), Daryn Dupavillon, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Lizaad Williams , Khaya Zondo.
