Proteas surprise with Von Berg selection

The Proteas have gone bold for their Test series against Sri Lanka next month by including three frontline spinners for the two-match battle.

Naturally, the reliable Keshav Maharaj – who has taken to Test cricket like a duck to water with 66 victims in just 17 matches – will be considered the main man in the tweaking stakes.

But there’s a very good chance he’ll share duties with either Tabraiz Shamsi or Shaun von Berg, both Titans stalwarts.

Left-arm wrist spinner Shamsi hasn’t added a cap to his Test debut in 2016’s pink ball Test against Australia in Adelaide but remains ever present in the national limited overs teams.

He was outstanding with the white ball in domestic cricket last season.

However, Von Berg’s selection is a mild surprise.

The 31-year-old leg-spinner has been a steady, underrated performer in the last few years for South Africa’s most consistent franchise and also adds value with the bat.

Von Berg scored an attacking 52 for a South African Invitation XI against the touring Aussies earlier this year.

“A key factor in our selection process was to cover all our bases and all possible conditions that we may encounter in Sri Lanka,” said national selection convener Linda Zondi.

“The two additional spinners to back up Keshav have both had excellent records in recent times in our domestic cricket. Von Berg also gives us additional batting strength in the lower order.”

The other notable if less surprising development is the return of Dale Steyn.

“It is very welcome news to have Dale back in our pack of world-class seamers,” said Zondi.

Kagiso Rabada has also recovered from a back injury.

Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Shaun von Berg.