Temba Bavuma returns to lead as South Africa announce Test squad for Sri Lanka home series

Temba Bavuma returns to lead as South Africa announce Test squad for Sri Lanka home series (Source – Twitter/X)

South Africa’s Test team received good news with the return of their Captain, Temba Bavuma, who has successfully recovered from an elbow injury, ahead of the crucial two-Test series against Sri Lanka. In the same regard, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a 14-member squad which also sees the comeback of pace duo Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee after an 11-month gap.

The upcoming Test series is important for the hosts as they are searching for their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final appearance. The Proteas have to secure victories in all four of their upcoming home Tests, including two each against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, to guarantee their spot in the WTC finale at Lord’s next June.

“We’ve picked the strongest possible side to ensure we stay competitive and keep our hopes alive for a place in the World Test Championship final. It’s great to have Temba back leading the side after his recovery. His leadership and skill are invaluable to the team. I’d also like to thank Aiden for stepping up and captaining the side so successfully during the Bangladesh series,” head coach Shukri Conrad said in a CSA statement.

Pleasing to welcome back Marco and Gerald to Test side: Conrad

Besides, South Africa squad also includes a fiery pace attack with Kagiso Rabada, who returns after being rested for the T20I series against India and will partner up with Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder alongside the returning Jansen and Coetzee. In the spin department, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy have been retained, while Dane Piedt, who featured in the Bangladesh series, has been left out.

“It’s also pleasing to welcome back Marco and Gerald to the Test side. Both have worked incredibly hard during their conditioning programs, and it’s great to see them back in the fold, ready to contribute to the team,” Conrad further added.

Also Read: Lasith Embuldeniya, Oshada Fernando return as Sri Lanka announce Test squad for South Africa series

The selection committee has opted for a 14-player squad instead of the usual 15, as the side is looking to provide more opportunities for players to participate in domestic first-class cricket for their respective provincial teams. The series is set to kick off in Durban, on November 27, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha, starting on December 5. The team will prepare with a two-day camp in Pretoria, before heading to Durban for the opening Test.

South Africa squad for Sri Lanka series:

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Schedule: