Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad defended the decision to send a severely depleted squad to New Zealand for the two-match series that gets underway in February.
The Proteas have been drawn against Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal in group D for the 2024 T20 World Cup that will take place in the West Indies and USA.
The Proteas recorded their lowest total in Test cricket since readmission on a bizarre opening day of the second Test against India that saw 23 wickets fall at Newlands.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) insist they remain committed to the longest format of the game, following criticism of a severely weakened Proteas Test squad that will tour New Zealand.
David Bedingham is set to realise a childhood dream of playing Test cricket at Newlands when the Proteas take on India at the famous venue from Wednesday.
Neil Brand will lead an inexperienced Proteas squad for the two-match Test tour to New Zealand taking place in February 2024.