South Africa vs New Zealand: Dane Piedt included in Test squad for NZ series

Piedt is awaiting approval of his visa and is expected to join the group this weekend, with a view to be considered for the third Test in Hamilton starting March 25.

Offspinner Dane Piedt has been called up to South Africa’s Test squad as an additional spin option. Piedt is awaiting approval of his visa and is expected to join the group this weekend, with a view to be considered for the third Test in Hamilton starting March 25.

Piedt had played the last of his seven Tests against New Zealand, in Centurion, 2016, but was later axed in favour of Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi – for the tour of Australia as well as the home series against Sri Lanka.

Maharaj was the lone spinner to be picked up for the current Test series against New Zealand, but on surfaces which have been surprisingly spinner-friendly, the national selectors have decided to boost their spin options.

Piedt’s inclusion will take the number in South Africa’s touring party to 17, after they included six pace options. If Piedt does feature in South Africa’s line-up for the third Test in Hamilton, it will cap a remarkable comeback of sorts for the Cape Cobras captain.