Batsman Marques Ackerman will captain the South African Invitation XI in next week’s limited-overs tour fixture against Sri Lanka at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

Ackerman captained the same team against the touring Pakistanis late last year. He managed a fine first-class century in that match, which Pakistan won by six wickets.

The 22-year-old left-hander enjoyed a rich stretch of form for the Dolphins in the 4-Day Franchise Series last month, striking 137, 84 and 89 not out against the Knights, Warriors and Cape Cobras respectively.

The squad features plenty of provincial talent – and some franchise players such as Dolphins star Eathan Bosch.

The match will be played after South Africa and Sri Lanka’s two-match Test series – and prior to five ODIs and three T20Is.

The Sri Lankans won the Test series opener at Kingsmead by one wicket on the back of a superb ton from batsman Kusal Mendis. The Proteas will be without injured all-rounder Vernon Philander for the series decider at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth. Philander has been sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in Durban.

South African Invitation XI: Marques Ackerman (captain), Eathan Bosch, Tshepang Dithole, Leus du Plooy, Gregory Mahlokwana, Sibonelo Makhanya, Wandile Makwetu,Thando Mnyaka, Luvuyo Nkese, Kyle Simmonds, Raynard van Tonder.

Photo: Gallo