Bavuma back as Proteas announce Test squad for India series
South Africa head to India on the back of a series draw in the Pakistan Tests, while the hosts defeated the West Indies 2-0 in their last Test series.
South Africa have unveiled a 15-member squad for the Test series against India commencing on November 14, after kickstarting their ICC World Test Championship cycle against Pakistan with a 1-1 draw.
The reigning World Test Champions will be led by Temba Bavuma, who is back after missing the tour against Pakistan.
The Proteas have included three frontline spinners in the squad with Keshav Maharaj leading the attack, while also consisting of Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, who was the player of the series against Pakistan.
Speaking about the squad selection, South Africa Head Coach Shukri Conrad said, “We’ve kept the bulk of the squad that competed in the two-match series against Pakistan. Those players showed real character and fought hard to come from behind and draw that series.
“We are anticipating a similar challenge in India, and many of the players who stood up in those conditions will once again be key for us.
“Pakistan was a squad effort and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour.”
South Africa squad for India tour:
Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne
Tony de Zorzi was South Africa's standout batter in the Pakistan series, with 175 runs across four innings, including a splendid 104 in the first innings of the first Test. He followed that up with another 55-run knock in the second Test that paved the way to a Proteas win, as the series drew against Pakistan.
While de Zorzi impressed with the bat, spinner Simon Harmer took the spotlight with the ball, scalping 13 wickets across the series. He played a pivotal role in bundling out Pakistan for 138 in the second Test that set up a 68-run target for the Proteas, which they chased down comfortably.
India v South Africa Test series schedule:
First Test - 14 to 18 November, Kolkata
Second Test - 22 to 26 November, Guwahati