Lungi Ngidi has recovered from injury and been included in the Proteas’ squads for the white-ball tour to the UAE where they will take on Afghanistan and Ireland.
The Proteas will face Afghanistan in three ODIs from 18-22 September at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, before heading to Abu Dhabi for two T20Is on 27 and 29 September and three ODIs from 2-7 October against Ireland.
Ngidi missed the recent three-match T20I series in the West Indies due to a calf injury but will bolster a relatively inexperienced squad.
The Proteas management have decided to rest a host of first-choice players for the tour, including Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller or Heinrich Klaasen.
Dolphins all-rounder Jason Smith and Lions wrist-spinner Nqaba Peter, who are both capped in T20 Internationals, have earned their maiden ODI call-ups.
The 21-year-old Andile Simelane has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads against Afghanistan to gain experience of travelling with the national side.
Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter said: “We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months.
“This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027.
“There is no doubt that tours such as these offers us this unique opportunity to provide players with international exposure in differing conditions compared to what they are used to.
“I am particularly looking forward to seeing how some of the more experienced players step up, whilst keeping a close eye on who can grab this opportunity and become more regular within the national set-up.”
Proteas ODI squad against Afghanistan: Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqabayomzi Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
Proteas T20I squad against Ireland: Aiden Markram (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams
Proteas ODI squad against Ireland: Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams
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