South Africa vs Australia | Kagiso Rabada named in South Africa's 17-member squad for the third Test

With the series being level at 1-1 after the first two Test matches, South Africa have given themselves plenty of options to choose froM as they have announced a 17-member squad for the third Test. The players (15 of them) who were a part of the first two Tests have been retained and all-rounder Chris Morris along with fast bowler Duanne Olivier have been freshly added to the squad. 

The decision taken by the selectors to include Olivier and Morris is a conscious one as they wanted to bolster the fast-bowling resources, which have taken a hit following the suspension to Kagiso Rabada. However, South Africa are still hopeful that the Man of the Match in Port Elizabeth will play the third Test as Rabada's participation at Newlands is subject to the results of his appeal against the Level 2 charge obtained in Port Elizabeth.

CSA National Selection Panel Convener Linda Zondi revealed that the circumstances forced them to pick a big squad. However, players who are not a part of the playing XI will be released to represent their franchises for the final round of the Sunfoil Series. 

“Once we have finalised our playing XI, we will release players to their franchises for the final round of the Sunfoil Series,” Linda Zondi said. 

He also explained why Olivier and Morris were the backup choices. He said that Olivier was the best bowler for South Africa A which played the tour match against Australia, while Morris has been in very good form. Chris Morris picked up 4 wickets and scored 150 (39 and 113) in a recent domestic game. Duanne Olivier, on the other hand, picked up 6 wickets (2/37 and 4/74) in the tour game against Australia. 

“We have retained the 15 players who produced an excellent performance to level the Test Series in Port Elizabeth. Olivier was the pick of our bowlers for South Africa A in their tour match against Australia while Morris has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, taking four wickets in an innings and making more than 150 runs, including a century, for the Titans in the Sunfoil Series against the league-leading Warriors,” the selection panel convener explained. 

After two exhilarating and draining Test matches, the teams took off from cricket for a few of days. But the two teams will begin training and prepare for the third Test (which starts on March 22) from Monday (March 19).