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South Africa have announced their 16-member squad for the three-match series against New Zealand starting next month. With two uncapped players, Heinrich Klaasen and Theunis de Bruyn are included in the squad. The 32-year-old Morne Morkel returns to the Test after missing the recent series against Sri Lanka, while there is also the inclusion for fellow pacer Chris Morris, who was sidelined due to injury. “Heinrich Klaasen was one of the top performers throughout the season and he is rewarded for his form by being included in the test squad,” said CSA selection convener Linda Zondi. “With Dane Vilas no longer available for selection, it was an opportunity to reward someone else. This will be an excellent opportunity for Heinrich and we wish him all the best.” The squad will depart for NZ on Saturday, 25 February ahead of the first test starting in Dunedin on 8 March. TEST SQUAD : Faf du Plessis (Capt), Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Aml...

England captain Joe Root has stated that he is experienced enough to lead England Lions, despite having just four first-class games as captain. Root, 26, was named as Alastair Cook's successor earlier this week after being given the nod by the ECB over the likes of Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad. Root is pretty confident that he has got the skills required to guide his team into a new era. "I've played 50-odd Test matches now and I think that counts for a lot," the Right-handed batsman told Sky Sports News . "I think it's very different, Test cricket to county cricket. I've added that responsibility of the vice-captaincy. "Even though I haven't been captain I've been trying to think like a captain to try to help Cooky out, and add value where I can to the bowlers or anyone in the team. I'd like to think that's how a lot of the guys will go about their business going forwards as well. "It feels amazing. It...

South Africa have retained their ODI squad for the tour of New Zealand starting next week. The same 14 players that has outplayed Sri Lanka in a five-match home series will leave for New Zealand the next day. However, the squad for three Test matches will be announced later this month. Cricket South Africa selection convener Linda Zondi said: "We are very happy with the way the squad has jelled over the past six months and consistency in selection is very important as we continue our build-up towards the ICC Champions Trophy tournament (in England in June). "New Zealand are playing very good cricket at the moment and as always will provide very tough opposition, particularly under their home conditions." South Africa ODI Squad: AB de Villiers (ODI captain), Faf du Plessis (T20 captain), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Andile Ph...