Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Henrich Klaasen was left disappointed after his omission from South Africa's Test squad for the upcoming England tour.
Klaasen was left out of the Proteas' 17-man squad as the Warriors' Rudi Second was included as the second wicketkeeper alongside Quinton de Kock.
Klaasen, who led the Tshwane Spartans in Monday's Mzansi Super League (MSL) final, told the media that he was determined to prove himself to the Proteas selectors.
"It's not been a great week for me, but that's part of the job," said Klaasen following the Spartans eight-wicket loss against the Paarl Rocks at Boland Park.
"Got to go to the four-day game in a few days' time... I need to go back and perform, that's the only way to get back into a strong Test squad like we have now."
Klaasen will now prepare for the Titans' 4-Day Franchise Series clash against the Lions at the Wanderers on Thursday.
The 28-year-old made his Test debut in October in the third and final Test against India, but failed to impress with scores of 6 and 5 as India won by an innings and 202 runs in securing a 3-0 Test whitewash of their South African opponents.
Klaasen admitted he has a lot of work to do in order to cement his place in red-ball cricket.
"That's the biggest passion I have, I want to play Test cricket and that's the only way to play by putting on that baggy green cap," said Klaasen.
"I have to go back, there's a lot of work that I have to do and just get the numbers on the board."
The Proteas take on England in the first Test at Centurion on Boxing Day with the first ball due to be delivered at 10:00.
Proteas Test squad for England:
Faf du Plessis (Titans, captain), Temba Bavuma (Lions), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Dean Elgar (Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Pieter Malan (Cape Cobras), Aiden Markram (Titans), Zubayr Hamza (Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Dane Paterson (Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Rudi Second (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions)
