Temba Bavuma Returns as South Africa Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series

South Africa’s Test captain, Temba Bavuma, has recovered from an elbow injury and will lead the side in the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. The Proteas aim to solidify their position in the race for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s.

Bavuma sustained the injury during an ODI against Ireland in October and has since missed international and domestic matches. His return comes after rigorous fitness tests and a two-day preparatory camp in Pretoria.

Key Squad Updates

Temba Bavuma’s Return

Bavuma’s last competitive match was on October 4, and he hasn’t played Test cricket since August against the West Indies. Head coach Shukri Conrad expressed confidence in Bavuma’s readiness despite his lack of match practice, stating:

“We’re thrilled to have Temba back. His fitness tests were excellent, and he’s eager to return. Our camp will replicate match scenarios to ensure he’s fully prepared.”

Bowling Reinforcements

Kagiso Rabada: Back after being rested for the T20Is against India.
Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee: Return after injury layoffs, with Coetzee cleared to play despite a minor hamstring concern during the recent T20I series.

New Inclusions and Absentees

Ryan Rickelton, Dane Paterson, and Senuran Muthusamy join the 14-player squad.
Injured players Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger miss out, along with selectorial omissions Keegan Petersen and Zubayr Hamza.

Preparation Strategy

Conrad emphasized the benefits of the two-day camp over domestic games, explaining that controlled match simulations would ensure bowlers get enough overs and batters face varied conditions without the unpredictability of four-day matches.

“The bowlers will bowl three spells a day, and batters will face match-intensity scenarios. This method ensures we cover all bases,” Conrad said.

WTC Context

South Africa is currently fifth in the WTC standings, with Sri Lanka in third. Wins in both Tests against Sri Lanka and the two home Tests against Pakistan in December and January would guarantee South Africa a spot in the WTC Final.