Paterson and Baartman recalled to South Africa A squad for England tour 2026

Paterson and Baartman return to South Africa A for England tour as squad depth is built ahead of key home summer.

Paterson's Test return Paterson has not featured in a Test since the Boxing Day match in 2024, where he was part of the XI that secured South Africa's spot in the World Test Championship final. He was named in the squad for the Lord's Test but stayed on the bench and was omitted from the away tours to Pakistan and India. Now aged 37 and without a national contract, his international career seemed over, but the eight-Test home summer presents a chance to rebuild his standing. ## Baartman's opportunity Baartman, aged 33, missed selection for the T20 World Cup despite strong performances and finds himself back in contention with a place in the South Africa A squad. The tour offers him a platform to stake a claim for a Test berth. Alongside him, Mokoena, a 19-year-old fast bowler with three T20I appearances, also joins the red-ball and white-ball squads. ## White-ball additions For the limited-overs leg, Kwena Maphaka and Gerald Coetzee join the squad alongside Baartman and Mokoena. The batting lineup sees Tony de Zorzi fit again after injury ruled him out of the T20 World Cup, while Jason Smith, who played just once in the tournament, gets another chance. Jordan Hermann and Rubin Hermann, along with Sinethemba Qeshile and Lesego Senokwane, round out the batting options. ## Squad depth focus South Africa's Test side has a settled top order, but this tour aims to develop backup options ahead of a packed season. De Zorzi's return to fitness is a key boost, while Smith adds depth despite limited game time. The Hermann brothers, Qeshile, and Senokwane bring experience and promise as they push for national recognition. ## Limited-overs specialists The one-day squad includes Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen, both currently playing in the IPL. Pretorius has represented South Africa across all formats, while Esterhuizen impressed on his T20I debut in New Zealand, finishing as the top run-scorer. Their inclusion provides batting stability for the white-ball matches. ## Tour schedule details South Africa A will play two four-day fixtures at Arundel and Beckenham, venues used to prepare for the World Test Championship final. The white-ball games are scheduled for Leicester and Worcester. The squads are structured to balance red-ball and white-ball preparation. ## Full South Africa A squads South Africa A Four-Day Squad: Marques Ackerman, Ottneel Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Nqobani Mokoena, Dane Paterson, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lesego Senokwane, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf. South Africa A One-Day Squad: Marques Ackerman, Ottneel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Bjorn Fortuin, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen.