Johannesburg, Nov 19 (UNI) South Africa has announced their 14-player squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Sri Lanka, marking the return of full-time skipper Temba Bavuma.
Bavuma, who missed the recent Bangladesh series due to a left elbow injury, is back to lead the side.
The squad also sees the comeback of pacers Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, last seen in Test action during the home series against India earlier this year.
Speaking about the inclusions, Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad expressed satisfaction with Bavuma’s return. “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 [Markram] for captaining the team successfully during the Bangladesh series,” Conrad said.
The pace duo of Jansen and Coetzee also earned praise. “Both have worked incredibly hard during their conditioning programmes, and it’s great to see them ready to contribute to the team,” he added.
The bowling attack includes the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, Kagiso Rabada, alongside Dane Paterson, Wiaan Mulder, and spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy.
Conrad explained the rationale for naming a 14-player squad instead of the usual 15, stating, “This allows players on the fringes of selection to gain valuable first-class experience in domestic cricket.”
The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, begins on November 27 in Durban, followed by the second Test in Port Elizabeth from December 5.
South Africa squad:
Temba Bavuma (c), 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, Kyle Verreynne.
Series schedule:
First Test: Durban, November 27 – December 1
Second Test: Port Elizabeth, December 5 – 9
