In-form Kuhn heads uncapped South Africa trio for Test series

JOHANNESBURG: Heino Kuhn´s two centuries on the South Africa A tour of England earned him a call-up on Monday to the senior squad for their upcoming four Test series with England.

The 33-year-old batsman — who made centuries against Hampshire and then the England Lions — is one of three uncapped players along with Aiden Markram and Andile Phehlukwayo to be named at Test level.

“Heino Kuhn has shown outstanding form for South Africa A on their recent tour of England which included a double century in the four-day match against Hampshire and a further century against the England Lions,” CSA selection convener Linda Zondi said.

“He certainly deserved his place on consistent form.”

Established stars like batsman AB de Villiers and paceman Dale Steyn are unavailable for selection. De Villiers is taking a break from Test cricket and Steyn hasn´t fully recovered from a shoulder problem which has kept him off the pitch since the end of last year.

The team will be captained by Faf du Plessis and there is plenty of batting experience with Hashim Amla, JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock as well as on the bowling side with Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander.