South Africa’s Test captain, Temba Bavuma, has made a timely recovery from an elbow injury and will lead his team in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The Proteas have named a 14-man squad for the series, which also includes the return of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee to the Test fold.
Bavuma’s return is a significant boost for South Africa, who are chasing their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final appearance. The Proteas need to win all four Tests at home – two against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan that follow – to be assured of a place in the title round. They could still make it, based on results elsewhere, with three wins out of four.
“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,” said head coach Shukri Conrad. “It’s great to have Temba back leading the side after his recovery. His leadership and skill are invaluable to the team.”
Jansen and Coetzee have both worked hard during their conditioning programmes and are ready to contribute to the team. The trio of Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Wiaan Mulder will complete the pace-bowling options alongside Jansen and Coetzee.
Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy are the two frontline spinners selected, while Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne provide batting depth.
The two-Test series begins in Durban on November 27 before the teams move to Gqeberha for the second Test starting December 5.
