Johannesburg, Dec 11 (UNI) Cricket South Africa have named Quinton de Kock as their Test captain and announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka.
Batsmen Kyle Verreynne and Keegan Petersen, pace bowler Glenton Stuurman and opener Sarel Erwee form part of the Test squad, leaving potential for all four to make their Test debuts in the series. Wiaan Mulder, who has played just one Test, returns after an injury to join a fresh-looking squad.
The unfit Kagiso Rabada and Dwaine Pretorius have not been considered, but could be added in the coming days. While Rabada suffered a groin injury, Pretorius struggled with a hamstring strain in their recent series against England.
It is understood that De Kock's appointment is temporary and that Cricket South Africa will name a permanent skipper in the next few months.
The Proteas have a busy few months ahead with Test series against Sri Lanka (home), Pakistan (away) and Australia (home).
"Quinton is happy to continue in the role for the next season and is comfortable with the balance of the workload and we back him fully as a captain," the CSA convenor of selectors, Victor Mpitsang said.
"We are also pleased with the leadership group in the team and are cultivating a strong individual leadership culture at the same time, so that the team produces a sustainable stream of potential captains for the future."
The two-match Test series will begin on December 26 in Centurion.
Test squad: Quinton de Kock (c), Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Beuran Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Sarel Erwee, Anrich Nortje, Glenton Stuurman, Wiaan Mulder, Keegan Petersen, Kyle Verreynne.
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