South Africa name uncapped Neil Brand captain of second-string squad for New Zealand Tests

South Africa on Saturday named a second-string team for the two-Test series in New Zealand in January, with the uncapped Neil Brand set to lead the 14-man side.

Only three members of the squad selected for the ongoing series against India are set to feature in the New Zealand tour, with a majority of the first team players missing out owing to their commitments to their respective franchises in the second edition of the SA20 that will be taking place simultaneously.

David Bedingham, who struck a lively 56 against India on debut in the first Test in Centurion, has been named in the squad alongside Keegan Petersen and Zubayr Hamza — who has been included for the second Test as a replacement for regular skipper Temba Bavuma.

Johannesburg native Brand, who represents the Titans in the South African domestic circuit, has made a total of 51 First-Class appearances with 2,906 runs to his credit. The batting all-rounder is also quite handy with his left-arm orthodox spin, having collected 72 wickets along the way.