Fit-again Nortje returns as Proteas name 15-man squad for ICC Champions Trophy

The Proteas on Monday confirmed a 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March.

ODI captain Temba Bavuma will lead the squad, which features 10 players who played in the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.

READ | Cricket SA looks to ICC for guidance on possible Afghan fixture boycott

A notable return is that of fit-again paceman Anrich Nortje, who missed out on the World Cup due to injury. Nortje has also been sidelined of late with a left toe injury but he has made a full recovery. He is joined by fellow seamer Lungi Ngidi, who has recovered from a groin injury.

Batting trio Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, along with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, have cracked the nod for their first senior 50-overs-a-side ICC tournament.

"This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this," said Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter.

"We've managed to maintain the core group of our 2023 World Cup squad, whilst adding fresh talent.

"Our recent performances at ICC events show that we're capable of reaching the latter stages of global tournaments. We're eager to take the next step and go even further in pursuit of the coveted silverware."

Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Marco Jansen (North West Dragons), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), David Miller (Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), and Rassie van der Dussen (Lions)

Managem