South Africa and India will lock-horns in three unofficial Tests in Bloemfontein that will get underway at the end of the month.

The Proteas all-rounder from the North West Dragons, Senuran Muthusamy, has also cracked the nod for the series.

The team will be captained by the in-form Paarl Rocks opening batter, Pieter Malan.

The CSA Convenor of Selectors, Victor Mpitsang, said that Test cricket remains a priority and it’s important to have the steady stream of talent available.

“Test cricket remains one of CSA’s key focus areas, along with ensuring that the format continues to thrive and hold relevance in our country. It is therefore vital that a steady stream of talent continues to emerge from our High-Performance programme.

“The Covid-19 pandemic saw the disruption of the South Africa A team’s fixtures and CSA is pleased to see the return of content for this programme. We are looking forward to more tours for this team in particular, as the A Team programme is a crucial one to CSA’s overall pipeline strategy.

“The senior South Africa and India teams will be clashing this summer here at home, so this is an ideal opportunity for players with Proteas ambitions to put their hands up and make a case for themselves.

“The Panel and I wish Pieter and coach, Malibongwe Maketa everything of the best ahead of this very important series.”

The first unofficial Test at the Mangaung Oval gets underway on 23 February.

South Africa A - Pieter Malan (captain, Rocks), Sarel Erwee (Dolphins), Dominic Hendricks (Lions), Raynard van Tonder (ItecKnights), Sinethemba Qeshile (Warriors), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Migael Pretorius (ItecKnights), Beuran Hendricks (Western Province), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), George Linde (Western Province), Jason Smith (Dophins), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province).

Morgan Piek OFM Sport