Cricket South Africa has announced the squad for a two-test match series against Sri Lanka. The series will kick off in Durban on November 27. The two-game series is going to be a crucial in deciding the finalists of the WTC Final 2025, as South Africa and Sri Lanka are both strong contenders for the final, and a 2-0 will increase their chances significantly.
CSA announced a 14-member team for the home test series, led by Temba Bavuma, who is making a comeback after his elbow injury. Alongside Bavuma, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee also returned to the test team.
South Africa Squad for Test Series against Sri Lanka
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, Kyle Verreynne
To secure their spot at Lord’s next year, South Africa must win all four Test matches at home, two against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan. Based on outcomes elsewhere, they might also qualify with three victories out of four.
With the chance to go to the WTC final, there is a lot of expectation. With Kagiso Rabada spearheading the bowling attack, along with the seasoned Dane Paterson and the return of Jansen and Coetzee, South Africa has stocked up on as many fast bowlers as they can.
Anrich Nortje has chosen to skip tests for the time being after recovering from lower back stress fractures, and Lungi Ngidi will not be available until January due to a groin ailment.
Coetzee, who appeared to have a hamstring injury when he left the field during the last T20Is against India, raised some eyebrows; however, he later returned to bowl.
Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj are two spinners, but Dane Piedt, who was a part of South Africa’s last three test series, is not included in the team. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will bat in the bottom middle order, with Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi at the top and Tristan Stubbs at number three. Bavuma is expected to replace Ryan Rickelton in the batting order.
The two-Test series begins on November 27 in Durban, before the sides travel to Gqeberha for the second Test on December 5.
