Apart from Markram, several other players across formats including Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Tristan Stubbs will miss Pakistan’s T20Is, scheduled between December 10 and 14, with the second Test against Sri Lanka concluding on December 9. However, these players will be part of the ODI series against Pakistan in early 2025, in preparation for next year’s Champions Trophy.
“Heinrich is a very experienced player with a great understanding and reading of the game,” said South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter. “We look forward to using him in this role after his previous experiences in 2021.
“We have also given George a chance again. He really earned his place thanks to a strong domestic campaign, and his skills as an all-rounder add important balance to the team. We are happy to have Anrich and Tabraiz back in the team “His wealth of experience and skill significantly strengthens our bowling unit, improving both our pace and spin departments, which will be key against a strong Pakistan team.”
The team will begin preparations with a two-day camp at the Pretoria Center of Excellence from December 6-8. On Sunday they will head to Durban where the first match will be played, followed by back-to-back matches in Centurion and Johannesburg on December 13 and 14 respectively.
South Africa team against Pakistan
Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke*, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka*, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton*, Tabraiz Shamsi**, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen
*Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka and Ryan Rickelton will join the squad following their Test commitments against Sri Lanka **Tabraiz Shamsi’s participation in the ongoing Global Super League in Guyana may affect his availability for the first T20I