Just before the start of the Test series against New Zealand in Christchurch, South Africa’s batsman Keegan Petersen has tested positive for Covid-19.
Although asymptomatic, he had to give way to Zubayr Hamza. Petersen was instrumental in South Africa’s recent Test series win against India after the hosts were 0-1 down. He played good knocks as well that gave South Africa the belief that they could win this Test series. With an average of 46, he was the highest scorer with 276 runs in six innings.
Hamza last represented the Proteas in 2020 against England. He has up till now played five matches so far. He also has 181 runs in his kitty from ten innings. Hamza also has a Test half-century and his best score was 62 against India in Ranchi in 2019. Apart from Hamza, Simon Harper has also found a place in the Test team.
Both South Africa’s Tests against New Zealand will be played in Christchurch. The first Test will be played on the 17th of February while the second Test would be played on February 27.
