By Lynn Butler.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has been cleared for selection and will return to lead South Africa in their home Test series against Sri Lanka.
Test coach Shukri Conrad on Tuesday named a 14-player squad for the two-match Test series, which will form part of the World Test Championship.
Bavuma, who passed a fitness test on Monday, has fully recovered from a left elbow injury he sustained prior to last month’s successful Test tour of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Marco Jansen and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee return to the Test setup for the first time since January’s Test series against India.
Lions quickie Kagiso Rabada, Western Province paceman Dane Paterson, and Lions all-rounder Wiaan Mulder complete the pace attack with Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins) and Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors) named as the two frontline spinners for the series.
South Africa
Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), David Bedingham (Western Province), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Marco Jansen (North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Dane Paterson (Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), and Kyle Verreynne (Western Province)
Sri Lanka
Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha.
The first match of the tour is set to begin at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday, 27 November. The squad will then travel to Gqeberha for the second match, starting on Thursday, 5 December, at 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.
The Sri Lankans are currently ranked third and South Africa fifth.
“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,” said Conrad.
“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 (Markram) 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.”
The Proteas squad will assemble for a two-day red-ball camp in Pretoria on Thursday before heading to Durban on Saturday.
Tickets are available on Ticketpro website and range from R70 to R180.
27 November-1 December at 09:30: South Africa v Sri Lanka at Kingsmead, Durban
5-9 December at 10:00: South Africa v Sri Lanka at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.