Bavuma back as captain in South Africa’s squad for Sri Lanka Tests

South Africa on Tuesday, 19 November, announced their 14-player squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka at home.

A major inclusion in the side sees full-time skipper Temba Bavuma return as skipper, having recovered from a left elbow injury, which ruled him out of the recent series in Bangladesh.

Two more changes in the squad that featured in Bangladesh have Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee back in the Test side for the first time since the home series against India earlier this year.

Speaking about the comebacks, the Proteas Test team head coach Shukri Conrad said, "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 for stepping up and captaining the side so successfully during the Bangladesh series."

Furthermore, on the pace duo of Jansen and Coetzee, Conrad added, "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."

Making up for the remainder of the host bowling lineup is Kagiso Rabada, who recently regained the number position in the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings, alongside Dane Peterson and Wiaan Mulder in the pace battery. Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy are the two full-time spinners named in the attack.

Conrad elaborated on the reasoning behind picking a 14-player squad, with room still available for a late entrant from the domestic circuit.

"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," he said.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne.

Series schedule:

First Test: Durban, November 27- December 1

Second Test: Port Elizabeth, December 5 - 9