This morning the in-form top-order batter, Keegan Petersen, was ruled out of the tour after testing positive for Covid-19 during their last round of tests before departing.

The former Knight, Petersen, was instrumental in the Proteas recent 2-1 Test series win over India. He will be replaced on tour by the Western Province batter, Zubayr Hamza.

The Proteas captain, Dean Elgar, said Sarel Erwee could finally get to debut.

“Sarel Erwee has been our backup batter for quite some time now. His had a very series where he has been carrying our drinks and he has been brilliant for us off the field.

“I would like to think that maybe he is the one guy that comes in, but in saying Zubayr Hamza does come in to replace KP and he is another option for us.”

The Proteas fly out to New Zealand on Wednesday night and will be arriving on Friday.

The 1st Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch gets underway on 17 February.

Proteas Test squad vs New Zealand - Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma, Sarel Erwee, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport