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Bavuma returns for test series against Sri Lanka

cricket19 November 2024 09:33| © Cricket SA
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Temba Bavuma © Gallo Images

Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad on Tuesday 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 Monday.

He has recovered from a left elbow injury that sidelined him during the recent test tour of Bangladesh.

Allrounder Marco Jansen and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee return to the test setup for the first time since the test series against India last summer.

Kagiso Rabada, World Sports Betting Western Province paceman Dane Paterson, and DP World Lions allrounder Wiaan Mulder complete the pace attack.

Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj and Dafabet Warriors’ Senuran Muthusamy have been named as the two frontline spinners for the series.

The first match of the tour is set to begin at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Wednesday, 27 November.

The squad will then travel to Gqeberha for the second match, starting on Thursday, 5 December, at Dafabet St George’s Park.

The series is one of two remaining in the ICC World Test Championship for the Proteas, who are still in contention for a spot in next year’s final.

Commenting on the squad, Conrad said: “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.

“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 programmes, and it’s great to see them back in the fold, ready to contribute to the team.”

PROTEAS TEST SQUAD AGAINST SRI LANKA

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Marco Jansen (Renault North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), and Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province).

The squad will attend a red-ball camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from 21 – 22 November before heading to Durban on Saturday, 23 November.

SOUTH AFRICA TEST SERIES AGAINST SRI LANKA

27 November – 01 December at 9:30am

South Africa v Sri Lanka – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

05 - 09 December at 10am

South Africa v Sri Lanka – Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha

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