The South Africa test captain Temba Bavuma has recovered from his elbow injury in time and will be returning for their two-match test series at home against Sri Lanka.
The announcement comes after SLC announced the Sri Lanka squad for the two-match test series. Bavuma will be leading the 14-member squad which also features the return of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee after 11 months.
“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,” head coach Shukri Conrad said in a CSA statement.
Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced a 14-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which gets underway in Durban later this month.
Captain Temba Bavuma will lead the side after being cleared for selection following a fitness test on… pic.twitter.com/MuUhVjqb4q
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 19, 2024
“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.
“It’s also pleasing to welcome back Marco and Gerald to the Test side. Both have worked incredibly hard during their conditioning programmes, and it’s great to see them back in the fold, ready to contribute to the team.
“This time, we’ve named a squad of 14 instead of the usual 15 to allow players on the periphery of selection the opportunity to play first-class cricket for their respective provincial teams.”
Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy have been selected in the squad while trio Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder will complete the pace bowling options alongside Jansen and Coetzee.
South Africa currently secured 5th position in the points table and are in chasing their spot in the WTC finals next year.
The upcoming series will be crucial for both the sides as they are the one of the contenders fighting for the finals spot. The first test will be played at Kingsmead in Durban from November 29 while the second will be held at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha.
South Africa squad for Sri Lanka tests: Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne
