South Africa Test squad for Sri Lanka series announced, Temba Bavuma returns

Published - 19 Nov 2024, 01:53 PM | Updated - 19 Nov 2024, 11:37 PM

In Temba Bavuma's absence, Aiden Markram to continue to lead South Africa. Image Credit: X

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Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday (November 19) announced the 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home. Temba Bavuma is all set to return to lead South Africa in the home Test series against Sri Lanka after clearing a fitness test on Monday.

The Proteas Test captain, Temba Bavuma, has recovered from a left elbow injury that sidelined him during the recent series against Bangladesh. Young all-rounder Marco Jansen and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee also returned to the Test squad for the first time since the India Tests last summer.

South Africa announces squad for Sri Lanka Tests at home

Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada will lead a strong fast-bowling attack, and he will be assisted by Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder for the upcoming Test series against the Islanders. On the other hand, spin duties will be shared by Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that the 14-member Test squad will attend a red-ball camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria on November 21–22 before heading to Durban on Saturday, November 23, for the two-match Test series opener against Sri Lanka.

The South Africa vs. Sri Lanka Test series will get underway at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on November 27, with the second and final Test scheduled for December 5 at Dafabet St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

The Test series is the second to last in the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle for the South Africa cricket team. Notably, the Proteas are still in contention for a spot in next year’s WTC final. However, the table-toppers, Australia, and second-placed India are red-hot favorites for the finals, but the third-placed Sri Lanka also have a great chance to make their first-ever WTC final.

We are excited to be back on home soil: Shukri Conrad

After announcing the Test squad, South Africa’s red-ball head coach, Shukri Conrad, said in an official media release: “We are excited to be back on home soil after being on the road for some time. It’s always a great feeling to play in front of our supporters and deliver our best cricket at home. 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.”

Speaking about trimming the squad, the coach noted: “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. 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 programs, and it’s great to see them back in the fold, ready to contribute to the team.”