For the Proteas the series against the Baggy Greens will be a golden opportunity to move back up to the summit of the World Test Championship, but it will be tough under the guidance of the interim coach, Malibongwe Maketa.

As matters stand, Australia are currently at the top of the standings on the WTC table and South Africa is in second. Should this remain unchanged to two old rivals will be contesting the final in mid-2023.

For the 22-year-old ITEC Knights fast bowler it is his first Test tour and he previously told OFM Sport that his is what dreams are made of.

Also read - Coetzee excited to head down under

"I'm very honoured and excited to be a part of the Test squad," said the fiery fast bowler.

"It's been a dream of mine since I was very young, specifically to play Test cricket and especially touring Australia, which is a very proud cricketing nation.

"It's a fast bowler's paradise in a sense. It's like the perfect story and I am very excited.

"I'm excited to go and learn and play with the Proteas bowling attack which is one of the best in the world. I just want to go there as a sponge and soak up everything.

"It's something that I'm very much looking forward to."

The 1st Test between Australia and South Africa will get underway on 17 December at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Proteas Test squad against Australia - Dean Elgar (captain, Titans), Temba Bavuma (Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Theunis de Bruyn (Titans), Sarel Erwee (Dolphins), Simon Harmer (Titans), Marco Jansen (Warrios), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortjé (Warrios), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper, Western Province), Lizaad Williams (Titans), Khaya Zondo (Dolphins).

Morgan Piek OFM Sport