As the Proteas gear up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan later this month, white-ball head coach Rob Walter will probably test the waters of his newly selected squad members in the tri-nation series from tomorrow.
South Africa will kick off the series against New Zealand and then wrap things up with hosts Pakistan on Wednesday.
Batters Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder are all included for their first senior 50-over ICC tournament in an already full-strength squad
announced by Walter.
“This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high-pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this,” Walter said.
“We’ve managed to maintain the core group of our 2023 World Cup squad while adding fresh talent.”
Tony de Zorzi (Western Province):
The 27-year-old opening batter is tipped to turn out to become one of the most important players for the Proteas in the coming years, as he has continuously impressed in every format that he has featured in so far.
Tony de Zorzi scored his first-ever Test century in his first-ever century in red-ball cricket against Bangladesh in Chattogram last year.
Having made his mark in the Proteas setup, De Zorzi will be expected to do the same in the upcoming tournament.
Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions):
Once upon a time a fringe player, Ryan Rickelton has transformed into a prominent figure in all formats for the Proteas.
Rickelton had a massive cricketing year in 2024, where he lit up the SA20 by becoming the first batter to break the 500-run mark in a season of the competition.
Even legendary batter Hashim Amla, who is his batting coach at the domestic cricket level, commended Rickelton’s qualities – adding that he keeps getting better and better.
“Last year, during the SA20, the majority of South Africans took note of him because he batted so well in the competition,” Amla said recently.
“Since then, he’s just gotten better and better. He’s an extremely hard worker, very fit, and very determined.”
Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors):
Tristan Stubbs is arguably the most consistent performer in franchise and international cricket in recent months.
The 24-year-old star batsman has already proven to be a force in the white-ball format, as he is aggressive with the bat, can hit the ball anywhere, and strikes the ball a long way and very hard.
Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions):
Wiaan Mulder is another exciting prospective player who is regarded as the future of SA cricket and an all-rounder that the Proteas need.
When one thinks of some of the greatest all-rounders SA had, Jacques Kallis is probably the first to come to mind, and Mulder is expected to replicate the legend.
South Africa has been drawn in Group B of the Champs Trophy, with their opening fixture against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi.
The Temba Bavuma-led side will then travel to Rawalpindi to take on Australia on February 25, before returning to Karachi for their final group stage match against England on March 01.
