Fresh off an enormous win over India, South Africa will send an almost-entirely different squad to New Zealand for their upcoming series, with the governing body showing a "total disregard" for Test cricket in the process.
The side recorded a triumphant result against the WTC runners-up this past week, downing India by an innings and 32 runs.
Retiring skipper Dean Elgar was the star of the show, scoring an incredible 185 for the Proteas, while star quick Kagiso Rabada finished with seven wickets for the match in a further showcase of his undeniable ability.
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However, neither will be on the plane to New Zealand, made unavailable for the tour by Cricket South Africa (CSA) so they can play in the SAT20 competition that kicks off in January.
While the recent West Indies squad that was named to face Australia in January had big names sidelined due to decisions from the players, CSA have seemingly placed their own T20 competition above the potential to earn World Test Championship points.
South Africa have named seven uncapped players in their 14-man roster to face the Black Caps, including a new captain in Neil Brand, who has yet to play international cricket and possesses only a modest first-class record across 51 matches.
The only two players who were part of the victory over India will be Keegan Petersen and David Bedingham, who both featured in the middle-order in Centurion.
The decision from South Africa to make their stars withdraw from Test availability to feature in their domestic white-ball competition has drawn the ire of plenty on social media, with some questioning why the tour of New Zealand is even going ahead.
https://twitter.com/Brendennel/status/1741114693677203472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/timwig/status/1741072247245172950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/hashmi_shahid/status/1741104091244470338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/henrymoeranBBC/status/1741090529213845655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/DanielGarb/status/1741233858690142321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/PaulNAustin/status/1741219210469220731
Despite the clearly under-strength lineup the Proteas will face New Zealand with at the start of 2024, head coach Shukri Conrad backed them to challenge one of Test cricket's best outfits.
"The players selected for this tour have every chance of challenging New Zealand," he said in a statement.
The series between the two Test nations will begin on February 4th at Bay Oval, before heading to Hamilton on February 13th.
South Africa Test squad
Neil Brand (c), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wk), Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo
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