Piedt, van Zyl, de Kock in South Africa Test squad

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Cricket365
June 3, 2014

The uncapped Stiaan van Zyl and Dane Piedt have been named in South Africa's squad for July's Test series against Sri Lanka.

The 14-man party will be captained by Hashim Amla, who was named former skipper Graeme Smith's successor on Tuesday. ODI captain AB de Villiers and T20I leader Faf du Plessis were also in contention, but were ultimately overlooked.

The in-form Kyle Abbott, who is currently playing for Hampshire in the County Championship, and Quinton de Kock have been retained. Fast bowler Rory Kleinveldt, spinner Robin Peterson, all-rounder Ryan McLaren and wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile were excluded. Left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe was not considered due to an ankle injury.

Left-handed batsman van Zyl and off-spinner Piedt accrued fine stretches of form in domestic cricket this season, while de Kock has been promoted on the back of a promising career at ODI and T20I level.

"Van Zyl and Piedt have been outstanding throughout the Cape Cobras' successful campaign, finishing up as leading runs-scorer and wicket-taker respectively," said CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson.

"This emphasises once again the consistent route the selectors have always followed to recognise form through the pipeline path of franchise and South Africa A performance.

"The tour to Sri Lanka obviously has different tactical considerations to a home series and that required us to alter the balance between our seam and spin bowling options."

The Sri Lankans and Proteas will meet for two Tests – at the Galle International Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo – between 16 and 28 July. The series will be preceded by three ODIs.

<b>Test squad:</b> Alviro Petersen, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla (captain), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (wicketkeeper), JP Duminy, Stiaan van Zyl, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Kyle Abbott, Quinton de Kock, Dane Piedt.