Who is Neil Brand? Everyone who has read the news about the South Africa cricket team’s announcement of a stand-by skipper for the 2nd Test against India has been left to wonder. He is now set to lead South Africa in the absence of Temba Bavuma who is out due to a hamstring injury.
The South African team dominated India in the first Test in Centurion, beating the visitors by an innings and 32 runs. The second and final Test is scheduled to start tomorrow in Cape Town. The hosts would be looking to claim the series by replicating a similar result.
South Africa’s next Test assignment is against New Zealand. The Proteas will be travelling to New Zealand to play two Tests and the board has also announced the 14-man squad for the series.
Surprisingly, South Africa has opted to send a second-string team for the Test series even though both the Tests are part of the World Test Championship cycle 2023-25. Most of the senior players aren’t part of the squad as they will be participating in the SA 20 league, which will take place from 10th January to 10th February 2023.
On the other hand, the Test series between New Zealand and South Africa will start from 4th February. Interestingly, South Africa has named Neil Brand as the captain of the team for the tour, who is yet to play a single match for South Africa but will straightaway lead the side in the upcoming Test series.
Who is Neil Brand? South Africa’s Standby Test Captain Against India
South African cricketer, Neil Brand is a batting all-rounder, who bowls off-spin. He has been named as the captain of the South African Test team for the tour of New Zealand.
The 27-year all-rounder has played 51 first-class matches for South Africa, scoring 2906 runs at an average of 39.3. He will become the overall 35th player to lead a Test team on debut.
He made his first-class debut for Cardiff MCCU on 2nd April 2015. Out of 51 first-class matches, he also led the team in 18 games. Recently, he also led South Africa A team against West Indies and claimed the series 2-1.
Out of 6 games, he registered scores of 104 and 62, while in the rest of the games, he got out in single digits.
It is pertinent to note that only three players from the current Test squad against India, will be part of the squad for the New Zealand Test series. The bulk of the squad will be engaged in the SA 20, which begins on 10th January 2023.
South Africa’s squad for Test series New Zealand
South Africa Test squad: Neil Brand (capt), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wk), Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo
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