Predicting South Africa’s playing XI for the 2nd Test against West Indies 

The first Test between West Indies and South Africa ended in a tame draw as the pitch took centerstage. The visiting side had to grind out with Keshav Maharaj in particular bowling unchanged during the first Test. It was a great show of strength and endurance by the left-arm spinner on a track which had nothing for the bowlers. 

As the second test moves to Guyana the South Africans will hope the wickets can provide more to the bowlers. Historically the track in Guyana has been a haven for the spin bowlers. 

It is an important match for the South Africans as they want to keep in touch with the top half of the World Test Championships. Temba Bavuma and his side will not look for anything less than a win in the game on Thursday. 

Here is the likely XI for South Africa for the 2nd Test versus West Indies

Openers – Aiden Markram and Tony De Zorzi 

Aiden Markram had a mixed return to Test cricket as he scored 9 and 48 with the bat. Tony De Zorzi on the other hand batted well to score 78 in the first innings and 45 in the second dig. The two batters will hope to do well once more and will want the pitch to play better to give South Africa a good start and also put pressure on the West Indian bowlers. 

Middle-order – Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne

Tristan Stubbs has been promoted to the number three slot in the batting order. The youngster batted well in the second innings to score a fifty. Temba Bavuma had a great time with the bat scoring 86 and 15 to average 101 for the game. The onus will be on David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne to give more solidity to the middle order. 

Bowlers – Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Dane Piedt

The task of handling the lower order and being a new ball bowler will fall on the shoulders of Wiaan Mulder. The pace bowling department will be led by Kagiso Rabada who has been in good form in the Test format. Keshav Maharaj will want to continue his good form with the ball as he will be a difficult bowler on the Guyana track. The lack of form shown by Lungi Ngidi could mean that Dane Piedt could be given a look-in to lend more variety with the ball. 

South Africa XI 

Aiden Markram, Tony De Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verrynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Dane Piedt

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