South Africa’s Test captain, Temba Bavuma, is set to make his return to the side when he leads the Proteas in their upcoming two-match Test series against India next month. South Africa have unveiled a 15-member squad for the Test series against India beginning on November 14.
Bavuma, who has been sidelined since September due to a calf strain, has recovered fully and is ready to resume his leadership duties as South Africa continue their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. The injury occurred during South Africa’s tour of England, forcing Bavuma to miss the start of the team’s WTC title defence against Pakistan.
While Bavuma will not take part in the limited-overs series currently underway in Pakistan, he will use a different route to prepare for his international comeback. The veteran batter will feature for South Africa A side in a first-class match against India A in Bengaluru. This fixture will serve as a vital opportunity for him to regain match fitness and rhythm before joining the senior Test squad.
“We’ve kept the bulk of the squad that competed in the two-match series against Pakistan. Those players showed real character and fought hard to come from behind and draw that series," South Africa Head Coach Shukri Conrad said.
“We are anticipating a similar challenge in India, and many of the players who stood up in those conditions will once again be key for us."
“Pakistan was a squad effort and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour.”
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne