Proteas go batting heavy for first Windies Test

The Proteas have named their side to face the West Indies in the first Test of a two-match series starting in Trinidad on Wednesday.

Head coach Shukri Conrad has opted for a batting-heavy side that features both Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton, with Verreynne handling wicket-keeping duties.

South Africa have named their XI for the first Test against West Indies in Port of Spain, which starts on Wednesday ???? #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/RBRTez7MaH

Skipper Aiden Markram will open with Tony de Zorzi with Tristan Stubbs at No 3, while captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham round out the top 5.

They are followed by Rickleton and Verreynne, with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, spinner Keshav Maharaj, and fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

Last month, Conrad confirmed Stubbs would have an extended run at first drop for the Proteas.

"He's the type of cricketer that I want at the top of the order, and I think he's got all the makings of a top-class number three batter," he said.

"I certainly wouldn't be giving anybody something to do if I didn't think they were capable of doing it, [I'm] certainly not hanging him out to dry."

Play starts at 16:00 (SA time) on Wednesday.