Bavuma returns to captain South Africa for India Tests as Bedingham makes way in the only batting change in the side.
Bavuma to return as South Africa captain for India Tests.
Following his recovery from a calf issue, Temba Bavuma will return to captain South Africa’s Test team for their two-match series against India next month. Bavuma sustained the injury in England in September and was unable to play in their World Test Championship title defence against Pakistan.
Before joining the Test team, he will play in a first-class match against India A in Bengaluru with a South African A team. He will not be involved in any of the white-ball matches that begin in Pakistan this week.
The sole batting change from South Africa’s team that drew 1-1 in Pakistan is the addition of Bavuma, who replaces middle order batsman David Bedingham, who was not involved in either game.
Prior to his 82 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Bedingham had gone 12 innings without a fifty. Bedingham has played in 15 Test matches for South Africa and scored 104 fifty-scores. Bedingham has no place in this squad with Zubayr Hamza, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, and Tony de Zorzi all present.
Due to their strong performances in Pakistan, South Africa has remained with their three specialist spinners: Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy. Not mentioned is offspinner Prenelan Subrayen, who participated in the first Test when Maharaj was recuperating from a groin ailment. After missing the Pakistan trip as well, Lungi Ngidi was left out of the pace pack, which is made up of Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Kagiso Rabada.
The two match series starts in Kolkata on December 14 before the second Test in Guwahati from November 22. South Africa will also play three ODIs and five T20Is in India.