Hansen to lead SA u19 against England
The national u19 selectors named a formidable squad for the series later this month against their counterparts from England.
The South African Schools captain of 2023 and 2024, Beni Hansen, will also captain the national u19-side for this series. South Africa will face England in three limited-over encounters as well as two youth tests.
Although the national selectors were not able to pick Kwena Maphaka (Paarl Royals), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Paarl Royals), Steve Stolk (Pretoria Capitals) and Tristan Luus (MI Cape Town) who will be in action for their various franchises in the SA20, they were still able to select a strong team.
Maphaka also made his test debut against Pakistan earlier this year. All of the above players represented the SA u19-side at the ICC u19 World Cup last year.
Another member of the World Cup squad who was not available for selection was Riley Norton who decided to seek a career in rugby at the end of 2024.
The national sides bowling attack still has Raeeq Daniels, Nqobani Mokoena as well as Martin Khumalo in their midst who also helped South Africa reach the semi-final in last year’s World Cup. Add to that for the limited-over matches the youngster Carl Fryer who impressed with his pace during Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week in Stellenbosch.
The Central Gladiators’ Jason Rowles was named the Batsman of the Week after scoring 280 runs during the tournament. His runs came at an average of 70 runs per innings. This performances as well as his solid bowling also secured him a place in the national squad.
Nathan Rossouw, spin bowler of the Western Legends, was named the Bowler of the Week as he picked up 15 wickets at the cost of only 16.8 runs per victim. He was rewarded for his performance with a place in the squad for the two tests.
The Allrounder of the Week was without a doubt Jorich van Schalkwyk (Northern Champions). His seven wickets at an average of 18.4 runs per victim made him one of the ten best bowlers in Stellenbosch. He also 219 runs at an unbelievable average of 109.5 runs per innings.
The South African u19 squads:
Limited Overs: Beni Hansen (captain), Carl Fryer, Bandile Mbatha, Adnaan Lagadien, Enathi Kitshini, Chad Mason, Daniel Bosman, Ntando Soni, Semal Pillay, Divan de Villiers, Jason Rowles, Lethabo Phahlomahloka, Nqobani Mokoena, Paul James, Raeeq Daniels.
Test: Beni Hansen (captain), Adnaan Lagadien, Chad Mason, Daniel Bosman, Divan de Villiers, Jason Rowles, Jorich van Schalkwyk, Muhammed Bulbulia, Nathan Rossouw, Nqobani Mokoena, Paul James, Raeeq Daniels, Sandiwa Yeni, Martin Khumalo, Lethabo Phahlamaloka.
Fixtures
Limited Overs
17 January vs England in Cape Town
19 January vs England in Cape Town
22 January vs England in Stellenbosch
Youth Test Series
27 January vs England in Stellenbosch
3 February vs England in Cape Town
