Staff Reporter
Cricket South Africa all-rounder Eathan Bosch has been ruled out of the Proteas’ upcoming five-match Twenty20 International series in New Zealand with a hamstring injury, CSA said on Saturday, with Wiaan Mulder called up as his replacement.
Bosch, 27, was in line for a potential T20I debut in the tour, which runs from 15 to 25 March, but the injury has cut short that opportunity. He has made one One-Day International appearance for South Africa.
“Eathan Bosch has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury,” CSA said in a statement.
“Proteas Men’s all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been named as his replacement in the squad.”
The series gives South Africa a chance to test the depth of their white-ball resources in unfamiliar conditions against a New Zealand side that is traditionally difficult to beat at home, where bounce, seam movement and changing weather can place a premium on adaptable all-rounders and disciplined bowling.
Mulder’s inclusion offers South Africa a like-for-like balance option, with the all-rounder able to strengthen both the middle order and the seam attack as the tourists prepare for a demanding five-match stretch in a little over a week.
CSA also said the touring party would begin its travel to New Zealand on Sunday.
“The team will depart for New Zealand from OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 8 March, while members of the squad and management currently in Kolkata will travel directly to New Zealand on the same day,” CSA said.
“Travel arrangements for the T20 World Cup squad members returning to South Africa are currently being finalised in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Further details will be communicated in due course.”
South Africa’s updated squad for the New Zealand T20I series is: Keshav Maharaj (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Nqobani Mokoena, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen and Jason Smith.
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