Marques Ackermann to lead SA A in two four-day matches against England Lions starting May 22, with experienced and emerging players in focus

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South Africa A have announced a balanced and competitive squad for their upcoming tour of England in 2026, featuring experienced seamers Dane Paterson and Ottneil Baartman alongside exciting young talent. The squad, led by batter Marques Ackermann, will face England Lions in two four-day matches beginning May 22, followed by a three-match one-day series.

Paterson, 37, returns to the spotlight after missing out on recent international assignments despite being part of South Africa’s squad during the 2024 Boxing Day Test that secured their place in the World Test Championship final. With a busy home Test season ahead, this tour provides him a crucial opportunity to push for a national comeback.

Baartman, 33, who was a notable omission from South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad, also gets a chance to stake his claim in the longer format. The selectors have further bolstered the squad with 19-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena, highlighting a clear focus on building future depth.

The one-day squad sees additional firepower with the inclusion of promising pacers Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka, strengthening South Africa A’s bowling attack across formats.

In the batting department, Tony de Zorzi makes his return from injury and will feature in both squads. He is joined by Jason Smith, who had limited opportunities during the T20 World Cup, as well as rising talents Jordan Hermann and Rubin Hermann. Wicketkeeper-batters Sinethemba Qeshile and Lesego Senokwane also get another opportunity to impress as they continue to hover on the fringes of national selection.

The one-day setup includes in-form batters Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen, both currently gaining valuable experience in the IPL. Pretorius has already represented South Africa across formats, while Esterhuizen impressed on his T20I debut in New Zealand as the leading run-scorer.

The tour will see South Africa A play red-ball matches at Arundel and Beckenham, venues familiar from previous preparations, while the white-ball fixtures will be held in Leicester and Worcester. With a packed international calendar ahead, this England tour is expected to play a key role in strengthening South Africa’s bench strength and identifying future stars.

South Africa A Four-Day Squad:
Marques Ackermann (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Nqobani Mokoena, Dane Paterson, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lesego Senokwane, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf

South Africa A One-Day Squad:
Marques Ackermann (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Bjorn Fortuin, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen