Rabada included in preliminary squad for first Australia Test
Marques Ackerman's outstanding form for South Africa A has earned him a first Test call-up, while Kagiso Rabada has been included in the Proteas' preliminary squad for the opening Test against Australia despite ongoing injury concerns.
Marques Ackerman is in line to make his Test debut after being named in the Proteas' preliminary squad for the opening Test against Australia at Kingsmead next month.
The Dolphins batter is the only uncapped player in the 18-man group announced by Cricket South Africa on Monday, with his selection coming after a prolific run for South Africa A.
Ackerman, 30, has scored more than 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball matches for SA A at an average of 82.92. His recent performances include four centuries and a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A in August.
There was also encouraging news for the Proteas with Kagiso Rabada included in the squad as he continues his recovery from a right hamstring injury.
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However, Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi were not considered for selection as they continue to recover from hamstring injuries.
Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson all return to the Test set-up after missing previous squads.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said the larger squad would allow the coaching staff time to assess conditions in Durban before naming the final 15-player group.
"We've selected a preliminary squad because we have an extended build-up to the first Test, with the group getting together in Durban on 1 October," Conrad said.
"We'll have a couple of training days, a two-day intra-squad match and scenario-based training, which will give us an opportunity to assess the group and conditions before settling on our final 15."
Conrad said carrying extra bowlers would give the team flexibility as they monitor conditions and Rabada's fitness.
"Having a larger bowling group gives us the flexibility to cover all bases. We have different options across the squad, and the next week will give us an opportunity to determine which combinations are best suited to the conditions."
He added that Ackerman's performances for SA A had made a strong case for selection.
"On the batting front, we've stuck with our core group. It's great to have Marques in the squad. The way he has led the SA A side, both as captain and through his performances with the bat, has earned him this opportunity."
