Ackerman Earns Maiden Test Call-Up as Proteas Name Australia Squad

Marques Ackerman has earned his first Test call-up after being included in South Africa’s preliminary 18-man squad for the opening Test against Australia in Durban.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins batter is the only uncapped player in the squad, rewarded for an outstanding run of form with South Africa A.

The 30-year-old has scored more than 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball appearances for SA ‘A’, averaging 82.92. His impressive run includes four centuries, highlighted by a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A in August.

The first Test is scheduled for 9-13 October at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.

Rabada included as he continues recovery

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been named despite continuing his recovery from a right hamstring injury.

Head coach Shukri Conrad says the extended preparation period will allow the Proteas to assess Rabada’s fitness before selecting the final 15-player squad.

South Africa will assemble in Durban on 1 October, with preparations including training sessions, a two-day intra-squad match and scenario-based work.

Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi were not considered as they continue recovering from their respective hamstring injuries.

Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson return to the Test setup.

Conrad said the larger preliminary squad gives the coaching staff flexibility to assess different bowling combinations ahead of the series.

Ackerman gets his opportunity

Conrad also highlighted Ackerman’s performances for South Africa A, both as captain and with the bat, as key factors behind his selection.

The batter now has an opportunity to make his Test debut against Australia if selected in the final squad.

Preliminary Proteas Test squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.

South Africa vs Australia Test series

1st Test: 9-13 October — Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
2nd Test: 18-22 October — St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3rd Test: 27-31 October — Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

With Ackerman’s form, Rabada’s fitness still being monitored and several fast bowlers returning from injury, the coming weeks will determine the final combination for what promises to be a significant Test series for the Proteas.