Proteas opt for a batting line-up

South Africa will back a batting-heavy lineup in the first Test against the West Indies when the first Test gets under way in Port-of-Spain today.

- Jacques van der

The Proteas will go into the Test at Queen's Park Oval with six frontline batters, wicketkeeper Kyle Verrynne at seven in the order and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder at eight in the team.

Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram will open the batting, followed by Tristan Stubbs at three, captain Temba Bavuma at four, David Bedingham at five and Ryan Rickelton at six.

Keshav Maharaj, the lone spinner in the side, though Markram can turn his arm over, will bat at nine.

Only two quick bowlers make the Proteas team, namely Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

Bavuma said his side was "champing at the bit" to get going.