Coach Shukri Conrad has named his Proteas XI for the first Test against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, which starts on Wednesday.

Ryan Rickelton returns to the team having been overlooked for the home India series last season, while Tristan Stubbs – as expected – will bat at No 3.

Conrad on Monday said he would give Stubbs, who has just one Test cap, a “good run” in the position.

“Technique is obviously a big factor because you’re going to be facing the new ball the bulk of the time. And he’s quite an imposing character, a big, strong, strapping boy, and I quite like that. I like the fact that at the top of the order, there are quite imposing guys; guys that have got a good aura about them and strong body language.”

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is set to play just his second Test since December 2022, at the expense of Nandre Burger, with Kagiso Rabada and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder the only other seamers.

Keshav Maharaj is the sole spinner in the side, with Dane Piedt missing out.

“We’ve decided to go with our three seamers, as well as a spinner: KG [Rabada], Lungi and Wiaan Mulder as the the third seamer and Kesh as the main spinner,” said Proteas captain Temba Bavuma on Tuesday.

“We are confident in our bowling attack, there’s still experience there, guys like KG, Ngidi and Keshav. So, from an experience point of view, I don’t believe we have lost much.

“Obviously, from a pace point of view, that’s what those two guys [injured Gerald Coetzee and Anrich Nortje, who is not contracted to play Test cricket] give you.

“I think, with lack of pace, we definitely make it up with skill and experience. I don’t believe we have lost a great deal from that point of view, and we are confident in our bowling resources to be able to get 20 wickets in the game.”

Proteas XI – Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne (wkt), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.