Matthew Breetzkee earns maiden call-up for West Indies Tests

Matthew Breetzkee, who made his international debut for South Africa last summer against Australia, has been handed a maiden Test call-up as the Proteas have named a Marco Jansen-less 16-person squad for the two-Test series against West Indies in August. 

Jansen, who has had a hectic 2024, having played continuously, has been rested in order to manage his workload.

"The decision to rest Marco Jansen was taken to allow for a conditioning period aimed at ensuring optimal physical and mental well-being given the season-long workloads," South Africa’s Test coach Shukri Conrad said in a statement.

Jansen is not the only big name missing from the 16-person squad. The list also does not feature Anrich Nortje, who has not been considered for selection after the tearaway quick opted out of getting a central contract.

South Africa’s pace battery will hence be led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. The experienced pair will be complemented by the trio of Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson.

Paterson is the only pacer to have retained his spot from the infamous tour of New Zealand in February, which South Africa lost 2-0 after sending out a weakened squad due to the clash with SA20.

"This tour is extremely important for us as we aim to improve our standing in the ICC World Test Championship," Conrad said. 

"We have, therefore, selected our strongest possible squad and look forward to strong performances in the Caribbean."

The squad also features two other young players - Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi - both of whom featured in the two-Test series against India back in January. 

David Bedingham, who has made an impressive start to his Test career, has retained his place in a rather inexperienced batting unit. Dean Elgar’s void at the top of the order could likely be filled by young Breetzke. The 25-year-old, who averages 37 in his first-class career, had a very impressive 2023/34 CSA 4-day competition campaign, amassing 322 runs at an average of 46.00 for the Warriors. 

He is currently playing for Northamptonshire in Division 2 of the County Championship. The two-Test series will begin in Port of Spain on August 7th. The second Test will be played from August 15 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. 

South Africa and West Indies are currently 7th and 6th, respectively, in the World Test Championship (WTC) table. 

South Africa Test squad

Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne

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