Before the pivotal two-Test series against Sri Lanka, South Africa’s Test team was relieved to see their captain, Temba Bavuma, return after a successful recovery from an elbow injury. Similarly, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed a 14-man roster that includes the return of speedy duo Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen after an 11-month hiatus.
The hosts are aiming for their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) final appearance, therefore the forthcoming Test series is crucial. To clinch their place in the WTC final at Lord’s next June, the Proteas must win all four of are forthcoming home Test matches, including two each against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“In order to maintain our competitiveness and our ambitions of making it to the World Test Championship final, we have selected the best team available. After his recuperation, it’s wonderful to see Temba leading the team again. The squad benefits greatly from his skill and leadership. In a CSA statement, head coach Shukri Conrad added, “I also want to thank Aiden for stepping up and leading the team so well during the Bangladesh series.”
It’s good to see Marco and Gerald return to the test side: Conrad
Along with the returning Jansen and Coetzee, the South African team also has a ferocious pace attack in Kagiso Rabada, who returns after being rested for the T20I series against India. He will team up with Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder. Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj have been kept in the spin department, but Dane Piedt, who played in the Bangladesh series, has been left out.
“Welcoming Marco and Gerald back to the Test team is also gratifying. Both have put in a tonne of effort during their conditioning regimens, and it’s wonderful to have them back in the fold and prepared to help the squad,” Conrad continued.
In order to give players more chances to play for their respective provincial teams in domestic first-class cricket, the selection committee decided to go with a 14-player roster rather than the customary 15. On November 27,
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the series will begin in Durban, and on December 5, the second Test will begin in Gqeberha. Before travelling to Durban for the first Test, the team will train for two days in Pretoria.
South Africa squad for Sri Lanka series:
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Schedule:
| Match | Venue | Date |
| First Test | Kingsmead, Durban | November 27- December 1 |
| Second Test | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | December 5- December 9 |
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