`Uncapped` Shamsi, Maharaj named in Proteas Test squad against Aussies

Johannesburg [South Africa], Oct.10 (ANI): The uncapped duo of Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj has been named in the 16-man South African squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, starting at the WACA from November 3. Confirming the news, Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection convener Linda Zondi said Shamsi has been included in the squad following his immense improvement in the longer version of the game. "He took 41 wickets at an average of less than 20 in seven matches in last season's Sunfoil Series and he certainly offers something different as an attacking spinner," Zondi was quoted as saying by Sport24. While insisting that his side are following horses-for-courses policy, Zondi said spinners like Maharaj, who was also right on top of his game in recent times, would turn out to be useful under Australian conditions. "Basically, we are following a horses for courses policy as we feel that spinners who turn the ball away from the right-hander are going to be particularly useful under Australian conditions and against the Test batsmen we are likely to face," he insisted. Faf du Plessis will continue to lead the side in the absence of AB de Villiers, who is still recovering from the left elbow injury he sustained in August. Fast bowler Morne Morkel, who had missed the recent Test series against New Zealand due to a bulging disk, has been recalled in the squad. However, his selection for the upcoming matches is subject to his successfully coming through the Sunfoil Series match between the Titans and the Warriors which starts at St. George's Park on Tuesday. Dean Elgar has also been retained in the squad, while another uncapped player, Rilee Rossouw, has been roped in as a specialist batsman. Dane Vilas, on the other hand, will again travel as the second wicketkeeper after making his Test debut on the sub-continent last year. The Proteas Test squad is as follows: Faf du Plessis (captain), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Dane Vilas. (ANI)