Temba Bavuma will return to captain South Africa’s Test team in the upcoming two-match series against India next month after recovering from a calf injury. The Proteas skipper missed the start of their World Test Championship campaign against Pakistan due to the injury he sustained in England in September.
Bavuma will not feature in the limited-overs series in Pakistan this week but is set to play for South Africa A in a first-class match against India A in Bengaluru before joining the main Test squad.
His inclusion is the only change in the batting lineup from the squad that drew 1-1 against Pakistan, with David Bedingham making way. Bedingham, who has played 15 Tests and scored one century and four fifties, was left out after struggling for consistency in recent matches.
Head coach Shukri Conrad explained that the decision was based on conditions and team balance. “The guys that played in Pakistan have shown what they can do. It’s not the end of the road for David, but for these conditions, I believe the others are better suited,” Conrad said. “It’s never easy leaving a player out, especially one who has performed well before, but we have to look at what’s most effective on these surfaces.”
Zubayr Hamza has been recalled to the squad, with Conrad praising his ability to handle spin. “He’s a really good player of spin, it’s as simple as that. He was close to playing in Pakistan and is the next batter up. Our selections are always based on conditions,” Conrad added.
South Africa have retained their three main spinners — Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy — who all impressed during the Pakistan tour. Offspinner Prenelan Subrayen, who played the first Test while Maharaj recovered from a groin strain, has been left out.
The pace attack will feature Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch, with Lungi Ngidi missing out again.
The two-Test series begins in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati on November 22. South Africa will also play three ODIs and five T20Is during the tour.
South Africa squad for India Tests:
Temba Bavuma (capt), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer.
