Aiden Markram will captain the SA A side in their two four-day matches against India A later this month.

Markram is currently in England with the Proteas, but didn’t get a chance to make his debut, with Heino Kuhn chosen ahead of him. The squad to play India A also includes two other members of the Test squad, all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and fast bowler Duanne Olivier.

Stephen Cook also returns to the SA A squad after he was dropped from the senior side for the England Test series.

The only newcomer at this level is the Titans leg-spinner, Shaun von Berg, who enjoyed a very successful season across all three formats.

‘This is a very important series after the disappointing Test match against the England Lions earlier this year,’ commented CSA selection convener Linda Zondi. ‘This is a golden opportunity for the players to show what they can do. under conditions they know well. against testing opposition.’

The first unofficial Test gets under way between 12-15 August in Benoni, with the second one taking place between 19-22 August at Groenkloof Stadium.

SA A squad: Aiden Markram (Titans, capt), Stephen Cook (Highveld Lions), Junior Dala (Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Highveld Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), David Miller (Knights), Duanne Olivier (Knights), Dane Paterson (Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Dane Piedt (Cape Cobras), Omphile Ramela (Highveld Lions), Rudi Second (Knights), Jason Smith (Cape Cobras), Shaun von Berg (Titans), Khaya Zondo (Dolphins)