Bjorn Fortuin set to captain Proteas on white-ball tour to Namibia

Bjorn Fortuin set to captain Proteas on white-ball tour to Namibia

Bjorn Fortuin has been selected as captain of the Proteas 15-man squad for the white-ball tour to Namibia, starting later this month, with Temba Bavuma (ODI) and Aiden Markram (T20I) being rested.

The Proteas will play a T20 tri-series against home side Namibia and Zimbabwe and will stay on to take on the hosts in a historic three-match ODI series, which will be the first 50-over contests between the countries.

Bavuma and Markram have been given time off ahead of what will be a busy home summer, that includes incoming tours from Australia, Bangladesh and England.

With eight Test matches scheduled at home, the bowling quartet of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj have also not been selected.

Duan Jansen, twin brother of Marco Jansen, has earned a maiden international call-up, while siblings Jordan Hermann and Rubin Hermann have both been included.

Wicket-keeper batter Connor Esterhuizen and young seamer Nqobani Mokoena have also been selected again after impressing in the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year.

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad said: "We've selected one squad for both series as we feel we have all departments well covered and it provides a great opportunity for players to build on their international caps.

"We saw glimpses of what Connor and Nqobani can offer during the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. It was unfortunate that Jordan picked up an injury in the opening match of that series, so we're looking forward to seeing him get another opportunity at this level.

"This tour has also opened the door for players who have performed domestically. Duan is one of those players. He is a quality all-rounder who has also shown great character for the Titans."

Fortuin, who has represented the Proteas in 16 ODIs and 27 T20Is, is an experienced domestic cricketer and has led the Lions to numerous titles over the course of his career.

"Bjorn is a proven leader who has successfully captained the Lions, and we have every confidence in his ability to lead this group," Conrad said.

Proteas white-ball squad: Bjorn Fortuin (captain), Eathan Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Duan Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Lutho Sipamla, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen

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