CAPE TOWN, South Africa: South Africa has opted to rest batsman Temba Bavuma for their upcoming home white-ball series against India following his underwhelming performance at the Cricket World Cup.
However, Bavuma will take charge as the team’s captain during the two-Test series beginning on December 26.
During the World Cup, Bavuma, acknowledging his less-than-optimal fitness, participated in the tournament as South Africa was eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions Australia, suffering a three-wicket loss. Opening the innings, Bavuma struggled, averaging only 18.12 across eight games, with a highest score of 35.
Aiden Markram will assume the captaincy for both the Twenty20 and One Day International (ODI) sides against India, potentially carrying this dual role into the future. Quinton de Kock, having retired from ODIs after the World Cup, remains available for T20s but will skip the upcoming series to compete for the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s domestic Big Bash competitions.
The Test squad introduces newcomers David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs as batters, alongside fast bowler Nandre Burger, selected across all three formats. Notable recalls include wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder for the Test and ODI series, while premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will sit out the limited-overs games to prepare in domestic four-day cricket for the Test matches.
Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen will also miss the ODIs for the same reason, ensuring their readiness for Test cricket.
Shukri Conrad, the Test coach, expressed enthusiasm about the nearly full-strength Test squad, highlighting the significance of starting a new ICC World Test Championship cycle as a motivating factor for the team.
India’s tour will commence with three T20 matches, followed by three ODIs, and culminate in the two Test matches starting on Dec. 26 in Pretoria and Jan. 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.
The T20 squad includes: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.
