Duan Jansen, twin brother of Test regular Marco, has received his first senior international call-up after being named in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of Namibia. The all-rounder from the Titans is one of several uncapped or lightly capped players given an opportunity in a new-look squad assembled while many of the country’s frontline players are rested.
Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin will captain the side for the T20I tri-series, which also involves Zimbabwe and runs from August 28 to September 6. Three ODIs against the hosts follow from September 9 to 13. It marks South Africa’s first T20I cricket since the World Cup earlier this year.
Eathan Bosch, brother of Proteas all-rounder Corbin, is the other player yet to feature in T20Is for South Africa, giving this squad a distinctly family-flavoured feel. Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann and Nqobani Mokoena have all earned maiden ODI call-ups, while Jordan’s brother Rubin, a wicketkeeper-batter, has also been included in the party.
Jordan Hermann made his South Africa debut in the T20I series against New Zealand in March but was forced off injured during the opening match, leaving him with a solitary cap to his name. Coach Shukri Conrad confirmed the tour is an opportunity for him to pick up where he left off. “It was unfortunate that Jordan picked up an injury in the opening match of that series, so we’re looking forward to seeing him get another opportunity at this level,” Conrad said.
Conrad was equally enthusiastic about the wider opportunity the tour presents. “We saw glimpses of what Connor and Nqobani can offer during the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year,” he said. “This tour has also opened the door for players who have performed domestically. Duan is one of those players. He is a quality all-rounder who has also shown great character for the Titans.”
On the captaincy choice, Conrad expressed full confidence in Fortuin. “Bjorn is an experienced player and proven leader who has successfully captained the Lions, and we have every confidence in his ability to lead this group,” he said.
From South Africa’s centrally contracted players, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi and Kwena Maphaka have been included, providing a bridge between the emerging talent and those with more established international experience.
South Africa Squad vs Namibia
Bjorn Fortuin (c), Eathan Bosch, Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Duan Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lutho Sipamla, Nqobani Mokoena, Nqaba Peter, Jason Smith and Prenelan Subrayen.
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