South Africa Test squad under Temba Bavuma's captaincy | PC- AFP
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has released a 15-member squad for the two-match series against Bangladesh at home. Under Temba Bavuma’s captaincy, a strong line-up of seven batters, four seamers, two spinners and two all-rounders has been picked.
Tony de Zorzi, who missed the series against Australia with an injury, returns for the Bangladesh Tests. Meanwhile, David Bedingham has been axed from the 15-player squad.
Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza return to South Africa Test squad
The heroes from the SA vs AUS Test series, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, are the star picks in the squad.
Meanwhile, Anrich Nortje, who sustained a gruelling groin injury, has been named to play against the Asian giants. He will aid the likes of the fast bowling department alongside Kagiso Rabada, Dane Patterson and Corbin Bosch.
Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, and Marques Ackerman will carry the batting line-up, alongwith skipper Temba Bavuma. Meanwhile, middle order batter Zubayr Hamza has been recalled.
Hamza, who has played eight Tests and an ODI match, last played for South Africa in February 2024. However, the 31-year-old has been batting brilliantly in the domestic circles in recent years. At the same time, he has played some sublime knocks in the series against South Africa A, India A, New Zealand A, England Lions and Bangladesh A.
South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh series
Temba Bavuma (C), Simon Harmer, Wiaan Mulder, Marques Ackerman, Zubayr Hamza, Anrich Nortje, Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton (WK).
South Africa look to strengthen WTC 2027 final chances
The Temba Bavuma-led side recently pushed the Aussies down to the number three position in the WTC standings after the Cape Town Test.
Under his captaincy, the Proteas have lost only one Test, though they have come strength to strength with Bavuma at the helm.
Currently, the reigning WTC champions are placed in second position, behind New Zealand, and a series victory against Bangladesh will solidify their chances to play a second successive final.
