Proteas star Keegan Petersen out of tour to New Zealand

Proteas batsman Keegan Petersen has been ruled out of South Africa’s tour to New Zealand after testing positive for COVID-19.

The number three batsman, who was recently the man of the series in the three Tests against India, is, according to a statement by Cricket South Africa, well and asymptomatic.

CSA added their medical team would keep in close contact with Petersen to ensure his physical and mental well-being is looked after.

Western Province batsman Zubayr Hamza has replaced Petersen for the tour.

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The Proteas were set to leave South Africa for New Zealand late Wednesday. They are scheduled to play two Tests against the Black Caps, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, later this month.

ALSO READ: Proteas’ big New Zealand tour challenge – playing at Hagley Oval

In team management news, South Africa A team coach, Malibongwe Maketa and GbetsRocks physiotherapist, Brent Martin will join the Proteas, replacing Rivash Gobind and Craig Govender, who are going on leave.

Proteas Test squad vs New Zealand

Dean Elgar (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain, Imperial Lions), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Imperial Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Duanne Olivier (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Glenton Stuurman (Gbet Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province).