Heinrich Klassen “has been tremendously impressive in the white-ball matches he has played for the Proteas”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder have been drafted into South Africa’s squad for the first two Tests of the four-Test series against Australia, which begins on March 1 in Durban.
Klaasen made his limited overs debut in the recently concluded series against India and enjoyed a lot of success with the bat as he struck a game-winning 27-ball 43 in the fourth ODI in Johannesburg and a superb 69 in the second Twenty20 International in Centurion.
As for Mulder, he was called up after impressing South Africa coach Ottis Gibson.
“Klaasen has been tremendously impressive in the white-ball matches he has played for the Proteas and we firmly believe he can become just as good a player in the five-day format,” South Africa’s convener of selectors Linda Zondi was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. “He has averaged nearly 50 with the bat in Sunfoil four-day cricket this season and hit two centuries. We are also keen to have a back-up wicketkeeper to de Kock in the squad.
“The selection of Mulder continues our strategy to expand our pool of allrounders against top-quality opposition. He is a batting allrounder and his selection will depend on how we decide to balance our starting XI. He has been the top allrounder in the Sunfoil Series with a batting average of 60 (one century) and 15 wickets at an average of 28.”
Mulder admitted that he was surprised when being informed that he would be part of the Proteas’ squad for the first two Tests against Australia.
“Russell [Domingo, the SA A coach] called me across to his cell phone and I saw Linda Zondi’s number come up on the phone so I knew something was up,” the 20-year-old said. “I couldn’t believe it when he told me I had been selected. In fact, I still can’t believe it.”
Meanwhile, captain Faf du Plessis, wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, and batsmen AB de Villiers and Temba Bavuma were also included in the side.
Du Plessis fractured his right index finger during the ODI series against India, while De Kock sustained a wrist injury. De Villiers was ruled out of the Twenty20 series with a knee injury, while Bavuma fractured his right ring finger prior to the third Test against India in Johannesburg.
While the quartet are back, all-rounders Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo, along with pace bowler Duanne Olivier, have been dropped.
Pace maestro Dale Steyn also failed to make the cut as he is still recovering from a heel injury.
South Africa’s squad for the first two Tests: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Wiaan Mulder, Lungisani Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada