Cricket news round-up – December 17: Rassie van der Dussen among six uncapped players in South Africa squad for England Test

In the first Test squad in South Africa’s new era, six uncapped players were named for the series against England, including Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius. Elsewhere, Kasun Rajitha is ruled out from the Lahore Test, Laura Marsh retires from international cricket, and former West Indies batsman Basil Butcher passes away.

South Africa name six uncapped players for England Tests

Beuran Hendricks and Dane Paterson, the fast bowlers, Rassie van der Dussen, the middle-order batsman, opening bat Pieter Malan, Dwaine Pretorius, the all-rounder, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rudi Second were all named in the South Africa squad for the upcoming Tests against England.

Aiden Markram has been retained in the side, having recovered from his fractured wrist, but there was no place for Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy, with Keshav Maharaj the sole spinner in the side.

Lungi Ngidi was left out of the squad, with his recovery ongoing, but Theunis de Bruyn was dropped from the side that toured India. “The high number of uncapped players coming into the squad is a reflection of our policy to acknowledge players who do well at franchise level and have put their hands up for selection,” Linda Zondi, the selector, said.

Kasun Rajitha ruled out of Lahore Test

Sri Lanka paceman Kasun Rajitha will play no part in the second Test against Pakistan in Lahore after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Rajitha picked up the left-hamstring strain during the first Test in Rawalpindi, and was off the field for much of the Pakistan innings. He managed to bowl just six overs on the final day of the Test, when most play was possible.

Sri Lanka confirmed they would not call up a replacement.

Basil Butcher, former West Indies batsman, passes away

Basil Butcher, the former West Indies middle-order batsman, passed away in Florida at the age of 86.

In a fine career, he scored 3104 runs in 44 Tests, including against India, England and Australia, and also took five wickets with his occasional leg-spin, all in one innings – against England in Port of Spain in 1967-68.

Cricket West Indies confirmed his passing, saying: “Sad news for the West Indies Cricket Family. Former Guyana and West Indies batsman Basil Butcher died earlier today in Florida, according to his son Basil Butcher jr. He was a brilliant middle-order batsman who played 44 Tests: 3,104 runs with 7 centuries. May he R.I.P”

Laura Marsh retires from international cricket

England off-spinner Laura Marsh announced her retirement on Monday, December 16, bringing an end to a 13-year career at the highest level, that included 179 caps for England across formats.

Marsh took 217 wickets for England, and ends her career as the most successful England Women spinner ever. She was part of three World Cup triumphs as well, lifting the trophy in 2009 and 2017, and the World Twenty20 trophy at Lord’s also in 2009. “Laura has been a fantastic servant to English cricket and we’re so grateful for everything she has contributed over a career spanning 13 years,” said Clare Conor, the ECB managing director. “Her record ranks amongst the very best bowlers in the history of our game, but the stats are only one part of her impact.”