Opening batter Edward Moore joins South Africa’s Test squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, bringing the total squad size to 15 and making him the eighth uncapped player in the group. Moore’s inclusion follows Tony de Zorzi’s unavailability due to an SA20 deal with Durban’s Super Giants. De Zorzi, previously identified as an opener for the New Zealand series, is obligated to fulfill SA20 duties, preventing him from playing in the upcoming series.
Moore, with 117 first-class caps and an average of over 40 in red-ball cricket, adds significant experience to the squad, primarily at the domestic level. This season, he has performed well, scoring 414 runs at an average of 51.57 in the first-class competition. He is likely to partner with uncapped captain Neil Brand as the opening batsman for the series.
South Africa will depart for New Zealand with an extended lead time before the first Test, aiming to acclimatize to conditions. The upcoming Tests are part of the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, with South Africa currently third after a drawn series with India over the festive period. Despite attempts to reschedule, the clash with the SA20 league has led to South Africa sending a makeshift Test side to New Zealand.
