The uncapped Anrich Nortje, Rudi Second and Senuran Muthusamy have been named in the Proteas squad for the October Test series against India.

Warriors fast bowler Nortje, Knights wicketkeeper-batsman Second and Dolphins spinner Muthusamy have effectively earned international inclusion on the back of solid form at domestic level. Nortje has played four ODIs, but not the longest format of the international game.

‘All three newcomers to the Test side have more than earned their spurs through impressive performances in last season’s 4-Day Franchise Series,’ said Cricket South Africa acting director of cricket Corrie van Zyl.

‘We feel we have covered all the options for the conditions we are likely to encounter on the sub-continent with Muthusamy and Dane Piedt, who was far and away the leading wicket-taker in our four-day competition, providing the backup to Keshav Maharaj.

‘Zubayr Hamza made an impressive start to his Test career against Pakistan last season when Faf du Plessis was ruled out and the retirement of Hashim Amla creates a further opportunity for him.’

India and South Africa will contest three Tests in Visakhapatnam, Ranchi and Pune between 2 and 23 October.

Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rudi Second.

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