Time to test Stubbsy
KNYSNA - Having already made his T20I and ODI debuts for the Proteas, local cricket star Tristan Stubbs has finally been handed a shot at international red ball cricket for the Proteas with a call-up to the test squad.
Stubbs was named as one of 15 players in the Proteas test squad for the upcoming inbound tour against India, who will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two test matches during their tour of South Africa in December and January. This is the 23-year-old Knysnarian's maiden test call-up, and comes off the back of good form in domestic red ball cricket.
Stubbs impressed with his 117 for South Africa A against Sri Lanka earlier this year and most recently struck 130 against DP World Lions for the Warriors in the last round of CSA 4-Day Domestic Series matches.
He is one of four players to earn their first test call-ups during this tour, joined by Western Province duo of David Bedingham and Nandre Burger.
Proteas test head coach Shukri Conrad is looking forward to the tour and the start of a new cycle. "It is the start of a new ICC World Test Championship cycle and that itself is a huge incentive for everyone. The playing field is level and we want to try and ensure we make a strong start to this sequence here at home against one of the best teams in the world."
He is also excited about the addition of the new youngsters to the squad. "We have a near fullstrength squad to pick from and that in itself is a real boost for us.
“We have also added some new and exciting faces such as David Bedingham, Nandre Burger and Tristan Stubbs, who make the test squad for the first time. There are others that are also back in the fold after going back to their unions and returning with impressive performances."
Stubbs will be chomping at the bit to get his first chance to represent the Proteas at test level. But, failing this, he has also been selected as part of the T20I squad for the tour, so local supporters should look forward to seeing our local boy take to the field in Protea colours this December.