South Africa's Test coach Shukri Conrad has announced the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, introducing Warriors captain Matthew Breetzke for his inaugural Test call-up. This selection follows Breetzke's impressive domestic season, where he amassed 322 runs at an average of 46, including a top score of 188. The squad includes several players from the recent T20 World Cup campaign, reflecting a blend of experience and promising talent.
Returning to the red-ball setup is Lions' wicket-keeper batter Ryan Rickelton, absent since South Africa's last encounter with West Indies in March 2023. However, all-rounder Marco Jansen will be rested to manage his workload, with Wiaan Mulder stepping in as a likely replacement in the team.
"This tour holds significant importance for us as we aim to bolster our standing in the ICC World Test Championship," Conrad emphasised, underscoring the team's readiness for the challenges ahead in the Caribbean. South Africa last contested a Test series in the region in June 2021, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over the hosts.
The finalised squad comprises Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne.