Paterson and Baartman Return: South Africa A Squad Named for England Tour

Paterson and Baartman Lead South Africa A on England Tour

South Africa A has named a dynamic and experienced squad for their upcoming tour of England, headlined by seasoned quicks Dane Paterson and Ottneil Baartman, as well as 19-year-old fast-bowling sensation Nqobani Mokoena. The team will take on the England Lions in two four-day matches starting May 22, followed by a white-ball series — a crucial step in building depth for what promises to be a packed international season.

Leadership and Coaching Setup

The squad will be captained by batter Marques Ackermann and coached by national white-ball fielding coach Wandile Gwavu. Joining him on the support staff are former Proteas internationals: Justin Ontong, who will serve as batting coach, and Rory Kleinveldt, who returns to the setup as bowling coach. Their collective experience is expected to provide vital mentorship, especially to the younger players in the group.

Paterson’s Comeback Trail

At 37 and without a national contract, Dane Paterson seemed to be on the outer edge of international contention. He last played Test cricket in the 2024 Boxing Day match that secured South Africa’s spot in the World Test Championship final. Though he traveled to Lord’s for the final, he didn’t make the playing XI and was overlooked for the tours to Pakistan and India.

But with a full home Test summer on the horizon, his inclusion in the SA A squad signals a chance to reignite his international career. His consistency in domestic cricket and potential to exploit English conditions make him a compelling candidate for selection consideration.

Baartman and Mokoena: Pushing the Pace

Likewise, Ottneil Baartman, 33, gets another opportunity to stake his claim for a senior national role — particularly in the Test arena. Despite strong performances, he was controversially left out of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. This tour offers him a platform to make a red-ball statement.

Teenage quick Nqobani Mokoena, already capped in three T20 Internationals, adds firepower and youth to the pace battery. His inclusion in both the four-day and one-day squads highlights the board’s interest in his development across formats.

Batting Depth on Display

In the batting department, Tony de Zorzi returns from injury — having missed the T20 World Cup — and features in both squads. He’ll be joined by uncapped players like the Hermann brothers (Jordan and Rubin), Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lesego Senokwane, all of whom have been on the fringes of national selection.

Jason Smith, who made a solitary appearance in the T20 World Cup, also gets another chance to impress. With South Africa’s senior Test top order largely settled, this tour serves as a vital pipeline for backup options and long-term planning.

White-Ball Continuity

The one-day squad sees the addition of Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka, both promising fast bowlers. At the crease, familiar names Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen add experience. Esterhuizen, who shone during his T20I debut in New Zealand as the series’ leading run-scorer, is seen as a rising talent across limited-overs cricket.

Both Pretorius and Esterhuizen are currently gaining exposure at the IPL, making their eventual integration into the SA A setup all the more valuable.

Fixtures and Venues

The two four-day matches will be played at Arundel — where South Africa previously prepared for the WTC final — and Beckenham. The white-ball fixtures will follow in Leicester and Worcester, giving players a comprehensive taste of English conditions across formats.

South Africa A Squads

Four-Day Squad

• Marques Ackermann (c)
• Ottneil Baartman
• Tony de Zorzi
• Bjorn Fortuin
• Zubayr Hamza
• Jordan Hermann
• Rubin Hermann
• Nqobani Mokoena
• Dane Paterson
• Sinethemba Qeshile
• Lesego Senokwane
• Jason Smith
• Prenelan Subrayen
• Tiaan van Vuuren
• Codi Yusuf

One-Day Squad

• Marques Ackermann (c)
• Ottneil Baartman
• Gerald Coetzee
• Tony de Zorzi
• Connor Esterhuizen
• Dian Forrester
• Bjorn Fortuin
• Rubin Hermann
• Kwena Maphaka
• Nqobani Mokoena
• Nqaba Peter
• Lhuan-dre Pretorius
• Sinethemba Qeshile
• Jason Smith
• Prenelan Subrayen

This South Africa A tour represents more than just development — it’s a proving ground. For veterans like Paterson and Baartman, it’s about resurgence. For young stars like Mokoena and Esterhuizen, it’s about proving readiness. And for selectors back home, it’s about gathering evidence. The fields of England will once again serve as a stage for the future of Proteas cricket.