Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has named one uncapped player in a 16-man squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, which starts on 7 August in Trinidad and Tobago.

EP Warriors batsman Matthew Breetzke has received his maiden Test call-up after impressing in last season’s domestic four-day competition with 322 runs at an average of 46, including a top score of 188. The Warriors captain also led South Africa A in a four-day match against India A in December.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton makes his return to the Test setup for the first time since South Africa hosted the West Indies in March 2023, while all-rounder Marco Jansen has been rested for the series.

“We are looking forward to returning to Test cricket after a busy period of limited-overs cricket over the past few months,” said Conrad.

“This tour is extremely important for us as we aim to improve our standing in the ICC World Test Championship. We have therefore selected our strongest possible squad and look forward to strong performances in the Caribbean.

“We have one new face in the squad, Matthew Breetzke, who is selected on the back of an excellent past season.

“The decision to rest Marco Jansen was taken to allow for a conditioning period aimed at ensuring optimal physical and mental well-being given the season-long workloads.

“Half of our squad will be part of a camp to be held in Durban next week.”

The squad will get together in Trinidad and Tobago on 27 July, with players competing in the Major League Cricket final on 28 July to join the squad on 29 July.

Proteas Test squad: Temba Bavuma (c, Lions), David Bedingham (WP), Matthew Breetzke (Warriors), Nandre Burger (WP), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (WP), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Dane Paterson (WP), Dane Piedt (Knights), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (WP).