02|06|2026

by Scent Senti

Cricket South Africa announced the SA U19 squad that will tour England from June 30 to July 20. The new SA U19 coach, Imraan Khan, and the selection panel have picked a new captain, Jason Rowles.

 

Rowles being given the leadership responsibility is no strange decision, as he has been part of the leadership group and even co-captained with Muhammed Bulbulia prior to the ICC U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia in January 2026.

 

Based on his returns during the U19 World Cup as South Africa's leading run-scorer, the selection panel decided on Rowles as a better captain, believing he can handle pressure much better than his predecessor.

 

"There are five new faces in this squad, which brings a nice injection of freshness and energy to the group," said Imraan Khan.

 

"At the same time, we've retained a strong core group of experienced players. That balance is deliberate; we want the new guys to be exposed to tough conditions, while also benefiting from the leadership and guidance of those who have already played at this level."

 

The selectors have retained a core of 10 players from the SA U19's underwhelming World Cup run, and there are 5 new faces, including Kamogelo Matlala, Tahseen Hanslo, Riley Miller, Nkosana Sibiya (Lions), and Joshua van Biljon.

 

Among the core group, Jorich van Schalkwyk, Bayanda Majola, Bandile Mbatha, JJ Basson, Ntando Soni, and JJ Basson have retained their places in the squad.

 

"This tour will give our players a great opportunity to test themselves in foreign conditions. The combination of red-ball and white-ball cricket will challenge the players in different ways," Khan commented on the tour.

 

The backroom staff that will assist Khan includes former professional players Mangaliso Mosehle (fielding coach), the former attacking wicketkeeper-batter; Allan Donald's Proteas successor Mornantau Hayward (bowling coach); and current Stellenbosch University head coach Ryan Bailey (batting coach).

 

The tour will consist of three Youth One-Day and two Youth Test matches. Four venues will be used for the tour, with The Kent County Cricket Ground hosting one One-Day and one Four-Day match.

 

SA u19 Squad:

 

Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Tahseen Hanslo (Lions), Paul James (North West Dragons), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Matlala (Easterns), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Riley Miller (Eastern Cape Iinyathi), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Nkosana Sibiya (Lions), Ntando Soni (Knights), Joshua van Biljon (Dolphins), and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans)