Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger make the cut as Cricket South Africa rolls out central contracts

South Africa were under the radar as they sent a lesser-than-B team to the New Zealand shores for the Test series.

They opted for a captain who did not even feature for South Africa’s national team up until then. One might argue that it serves the purpose of uplifting the young generation of cricketers, as 90 percent of the squad featured uncapped players, but the latest player contracts revealed by Cricket South Africa convey a different story.

Gerald Coetzee who impressed everyone with his bowling during the Test series against India, has earned a year-round contract. Though the pacer was featured in the World Cup 2023 in November, he was abstained from a contract. This marks the maiden full-time contract for the promising pacer. Coetzee had claimed 20 wickets in the World Cup 2023 and proved his mettle in the Indian conditions for a fast bowler.

Apart from Coetzee, another pacer who has made it to the contract list is youngster Nandre Burger. He rattled the Indian batting lineup when India toured South Africa for the two-match Test series. More than his bowling exploits, his stare game with the batting stalwart Virat Kohli was the hot topic of the series. It culminated in a short but sought-after rivalry during the series.

Toni de Zorzi makes the cut as few others miss out on contracts

Other inclusions in the central contract are top-order batter Toni de Zorzi, who was exceptional in the T20I series against India. Andile Phehlukwayo made a return to international cricket as well as the central contract list. Apart from this, the Women’s camp saw no major changes to their contracts as the plot remained intact.

However, the players to miss out on central contracts are Anrich Nortje who is currently nursing an injury, and Quinton de Kock who retired from international cricket post-World Cup 2023. Dean Elgar, who played his farewell Test against India in January, Sisanda Magala, Wayne Parnell, and Keegan Petersen were also not considered for the contracts.

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Men’s contracts

Temba Bavuma, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen.

Women’s contracts

Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, and Laura Wolvaardt.