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AUCKLAND: Muhammad Abbas has been included in the 15-member squad of New Zealand A for the upcoming tour of South Africa, featuring three one-day matches and two four-day games.
The squad, carrying an average age of just 25, highlights the country’s growing depth, with 10 players already having international experience.
Nick Kelly will captain the white-ball side, while Joe Carter takes charge in the longer format.
Among the notable selections are Abbas, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, and Rhys Mariu, all of whom have recently broken into the senior New Zealand team.
Foulkes made headlines on debut in Zimbabwe earlier this year, grabbing 9/75, the best-ever figures by a Kiwi in their first Test.
Abbas, meanwhile, introduced himself in style with the fastest half-century by a New Zealand batter on ODI debut, smashing 26 balls to reach the mark against Pakistan in March.
Wicketkeeper-batter Hay has also enjoyed a remarkable summer, setting a T20I world record with six dismissals in an innings and producing a match-winning 99* against Pakistan in Hamilton.
Jacobs and Mariu have impressed in limited outings as well, registering key knocks on debut appearances.
The squad shows two changes from the one that toured Bangladesh earlier this year, with Jacobs and Test pacer Matt Fisher coming in.
Auckland’s Simon Keene, yet to feature for New Zealand A, also gets the nod after consistent domestic performances, which include a first-class century and three five-wicket hauls.
Northern Districts all-rounder Kristian Clarke misses out due to a side strain.
The team will be coached by former New Zealand batter Daniel Flynn, currently assistant coach at Northern Districts, who steps up to guide a national side for the first time.
He will be supported by high-performance coaches Bob Carter and Graeme Aldridge.
The squad departs on August 24, with the tour starting on August 30.
New Zealand A Squad for South Africa tour
Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Joe Carter (red-ball captain), Josh Clarkson, Matt Fisher, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Bevon Jacobs, Simon Keene, Nick Kelly (white-ball captain), Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Dale Phillips.
READ: WATCH: Fakhar Zaman trains with Pakistan squad ahead of Tri-Series
