South Africa pick uncapped spinners for Australia series

South Africa's Tabraiz Shamsi (centre) took three wickets in his side's win against Australia in the 4th ODI in Port Elizabeth on October 9, 2016. By Michael Sheehan (AFP)

Johannesburg (AFP) - Tabraiz Shamsi was one of two uncapped spinners named Monday in the South African squad for a Test series in Australia next month.

Shamsi, a left-arm wrist spinner, took three for 36 in South Africa's win in the fourth one-day international against Australia in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. The Australian batsmen, including captain Steve Smith, struggled to read which way the ball was likely to turn.

Shamsi is one of two uncapped spinners in the squad. Orthodox left-armer Keshav Maharaj, who took 13 wickets in a franchise match for the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins last weekend, is also named in the 16-man party.

But there is no place for off-spinner Dane Piedt, who was South Africa's first-choice spinner last season.

"We are following a horses for courses policy as we feel that spinners who turn the ball away from the right-hander are going to be particularly useful under Australian conditions and against the Test batsmen we are likely to face," said selection convener Linda Zondi.

Faf du Plessis, who captained the side in a series win against New Zealand in August, will again lead the side in the absence of the injured AB de Villiers.

Fast bowler Morne Morkel returns to the squad after missing the series against New Zealand because of injury but will have to prove his fitness in a four-day match for the Titans starting on Tuesday.

South Africa will play three Tests in Australia, in Perth starting November 3, Hobart, November 12, and Adelaide, November 24.

South African Test squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Dane Vilas (wkt).