Big blow for South Africa as Petersen ruled out of New Zealand tour

After the recent home series win against India, South Africa are set to tour New Zealand for a two-match Test series starting February 17. But they will be without one of the finds of the India series, Keegan Petersen, who will miss the tour after testing positive for COVID-19. Zubayr Hamza has been named as a replacement in the Proteas squad.

"Proteas batsman, Keegan Petersen, will unfortunately miss the tour to New Zealand after testing positive for COVID-19. The number three batter is well and asymptomatic. Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) medical team will keep in close contact with him to ensure his physical and mental well-being,” read the official statement.

Petersen impressed one and all with his crucial knocks against India in their recent 2-1 Test victory at home, where he finished as the highest run-getter with 276 runs and took home the Player of the Series award. Although he did not breach the three-figure mark in the series, his impressive knocks at number three, which included three fifties, has fetched him high praise from across the globe.

Zubayr Hamza, who has been called up in place of Petersen, has played five Tests previously, out of which he was the No.3 batter in four matches. Hamza could potentially be a like-for-like replacement for Petersen at one-down.

Anrich Nortje, who missed the series against India because of a hip injury has not been able to recover and will miss the upcoming tour.

The upcoming series includes only two Test matches, both of which will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, with the first Test commencing on 17 February while the second will start on 25 February.

The two-match series will be played under ICC World Test Championship 2021-23, where South Africa are currently placed fourth with a win percentage of 66.66% while New Zealand are sixth with 33.33%.

**South Africa squad for New Zealand Tests:**Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Sarel Erwee, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen and Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper).