{
  "id": 10400787,
  "title": "In-form batter Marques Ackerman called up to preliminary Proteas Test squad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/in-form-batter-marques-ackerman-called-up-to-preliminary-proteas-test",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T08:28:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/cricket/marques-ackerman-preliminary-proteas-test-squad/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa has included uncapped batter Marques Ackerman in their preliminary Test squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia. Ackerman, only 30, has been outstanding for South Africa A, scoring over 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball appearances at an average of 82.92, including four centuries and a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, recovering from a hamstring injury, has also been selected, alongside seamers Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, and Lungi Ngidi, who are sidelined with similar injuries. To compensate for the absence of Baartman, Maphaka, and Ngidi, fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje, and Dane Paterson have been recalled to the squad. Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad revealed that the 18-man preliminary squad will converge on Thursday, six days before the first Test in Durban on October 9. The camp will engage in a two-day intra-squad match and scenario-based training before a final 15-player squad is announced. Conrad hopes the additional bowling options will provide flexibility against varying conditions. Ackerman's inclusion follows his impressive leadership and batting performances for the South Africa A side.",
  "summary": "Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been included in the squad, but Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman are all unavailable.",
  "key_points": [
    "Marques Ackerman, uncapped, added to preliminary Test squad",
    "Kagiso Rabada, fast bowler, returns from hamstring injury",
    "Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad announces 18-man squad"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}