Temba Bavuma Returns to South Africa Squad for Durban Test Against Sri Lanka

South Africa has announced its playing XI for the opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, marking the return of skipper and right-handed batsman Temba Bavuma to the squad. This selection comes after Bavuma successfully recovered from a left elbow injury that sidelined him during previous international fixtures.

Bavuma, who had to retire hurt at 35 runs during an ODI against Ireland last month due to an awkward fall while attempting a run, had been absent from the team since sustaining a similar elbow injury during a T20I tour of India in 2022. The injury had also prevented him from participating in South Africa’s tour of England later that year. In his absence, Matthew Breetzke was called up and made his Test debut in Mirpur.

The opening Test of the Africa-Lanka series is set to commence on November 27 and will conclude on December 1 in Durban. The second and final long-format match will take place in Port Elizabeth from December 5 to 9. Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, the Proteas had recently achieved a 2-0 series sweep during their tour of Bangladesh. With Bavuma’s return, he will resume his role as captain, bringing his leadership and experience back to the forefront.

In addition to Bavuma’s comeback, South Africa has also reinstated the pace duo of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee into the red-ball squad. Both bowlers last featured in the longest format during the India tour of South Africa earlier this year. Their inclusion replaces Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, and Dane Paterson, who were part of South Africa’s impressive 273-run victory against Bangladesh in October.

South Africa currently holds the fifth position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table and remains in contention for a maiden WTC Final spot, with four matches still to play, including two more against Pakistan. Their main competitors for the final spot include Sri Lanka, who are positioned third in the points table, trailing only behind India and Australia.

Series schedule:

• First Test: Durban, November 2-December 1
• Second Test: Port Elizabeth, December 5-9

South Africa playing XI: 

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.