Smith leads junior Proteas
CRICKET South Africa yesterday announced a 15-man Proteas Under19 squad following the conclusion of the CSA Under-19 Franchise Cubs Week in Stellenbosch.
Western Province’s Daniel Smith, who less than 24 hours earlier led the Cape Cobras to the Cubs Week title, has been named the captain of the junior Proteas.
The left-hander enjoyed a prolific campaign with the bat as he recorded 301 runs across four appearances for the Cobras and finished second on the run charts behind Jordan Hermann.
The Northerns opener amassed 364 runs for the Titans at a staggering average of 91.00, including the highest individual score of the week of 139 against the Knights in the opening round of matches.
Caleb Seleka and Darian Naidoo earned their inclusion in the national squad after impressive performances with the ball for the Lions and Cobras respectively.
The former’s spin garnered nine wickets at a remarkable economy of just under three runs an over. Naidoo enjoyed similar success as his pace yielded nine wickets, with a best of 4/36 against the Dolphins.
In addition to the 15-man squad, five players have been included as part of an extended training group.
Among those five was one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers, Central Gauteng Lions seamer Liam Alder, and talented KZN Inland allrounder Luc Benkenstein.
The SA Under-19 squad will feature as the 16th team in the CSA 3-Day Provincial Cup and Provincial One-day Challenge, scheduled to start next month.
Shukri Conrad’s side will compete in two three-day matches and three 50-over encounters.
“Firstly, credit must go to Cricket South Africa for successfully hosting the first age-group tournament of the season in a bio-secure environment,” said CSA Under-19 convenor of selectors Patrick Moroney.
“Cubs Week provided the opportunity to access the talent and level of competition from across the country and we certainly have some exciting young cricketers within our provincial stable.
“Having to narrow 84 players to a 15-man squad is never an easy decision, especially given the calibre of talent that was on display this past week, but we do believe we’ve chosen a well-balanced squad.
“The 15 players were capped during a closing ceremony on Sunday night.
“The five additional players will travel with the core squad, and will receive their caps if they are selected to compete in the senior provincial tournaments.”
SA Under-19 head coach Conrad added: “I am extremely pleased with the group of players that have been selected to compete in the senior provincial tournaments.
“The competitiveness with which the teams approached Cubs Week and the mental tenacity which the players performed was particularly impressive, especially during the matches that went down to the wire.
“I am looking forward to seeing these players carry their form to the next level. I believe the experience they will gain from playing against senior cricketers, especially in the three-day format, will be highly beneficial to their development.
“This is the first of many steps as we build towards next year’s ICC Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies.
“It is a long way to go, and other players will have the opportunity to make their way into the squad.” | African News Agency (ANA)
SA Under-19 Squad
Daniel Smith (captain, Western Province), Dewald Brevis (Northerns), Jan Hendrik Coetzer (Northerns), Michael Copeland (Central Gauteng Lions), Jordan Hermann (Northerns), Taheer Isaacs (Lions), Darian Naidoo (WP), Caleb Seleka (North West), Andile Simelane (KZN Inland), Jade Smith (Eastern Province), Kaden Solomons (WP), Joshua Stevenson (EP), Nathan Steyn (Easterns), Asakhe Tsaka (WP), George van Heerden (EP).
Five additional players: Liam Alder (Lions), Luc Benkenstein (KZN Inland), Ethan Cunningham (WP), Selo “Valentine” Kitime (Northerns), Samuel Ruwisi (Lions).