Bavuma returns to lead South Africa in two Tests vs Sri Lanka

Temba Bavuma is back to lead South Africa for their upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home. Bavuma missed the away series against Bangladesh due to an elbow injury, from which he has recovered and is now available for the home summer. Aiden Markram stepped in as the captain in Bangladesh in Bavuma’s absence. 

The 34-year-old will lead a 14-man squad for these two Tests which also marks the return of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee to bolster the pace attack.

"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," head coach Shukri Conrad said in a CSA statement. "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.

"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,” he said. 

South Africa had only two frontline pacers on their Bangladesh tour — Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson — alongside the seam-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. Back home where the pacers rule the roost, they have added to the fast-bowling front with the return of Jansen and Coetzee. Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi remain unavailable. Meanwhile, Dane Piedt, the off-spinner is out of the side with Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy picked as spin-bowling options. 

Winning all their four home Tests this season — two against Sri Lanka to be followed by two Tests versus Pakistan — would seal a maiden World Test Championship final appearance for the Proteas. Winning three out of four can also see them through given the results in Test cricket elsewhere. 

The two-match series vs Sri Lanka begins on November 27 in Durban and will be followed by the second Test in Gqeberha starting December 5. 

South Africa’s Test squad to face Sri Lanka:

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 and Kyle Verreynne

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