Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a 15-member Proteas Men’s squad for the upcoming two-match Dafabet Test series against Bangladesh, which gets underway later this month.
Captain Temba Bavuma will continue to lead the side following the Proteas’ impressive 2-1 Test series victory over Australia, with the newly crowned world number one Test team looking to maintain their momentum on home soil.
The first Test will be played at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from 15 to 19 November, before the teams travel to Centurion for the second Test at SuperSport Park from 23 to 27 November.
Tony de Zorzi returns to the squad after recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the Australia series, while DP World Lions batter Zubayr Hamza has also earned a call-up.
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje is another notable returnee after recovering from a groin injury. He joins Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder in the pace-bowling department.
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Lungi Ngidi was not considered for selection as he continues his rehabilitation.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad highlighted the importance of carrying the confidence gained from the Australia series into their next assignment, while also pointing to the conditions expected at the two Highveld venues.
Coming off a hard-fought series against Australia, our focus will be on carrying that momentum into the Bangladesh series, which is our next big assignment of the summer,” said Conrad.
He added that the traditionally pace-friendly Highveld conditions would influence the team’s selection approach, although the Wanderers has offered some assistance to spin in recent times.
Conrad also welcomed the return of De Zorzi and the inclusion of Hamza, saying the two players provide further options and depth to the batting department.
The Proteas will assemble in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 November, to begin preparations for the opening Test.
The last time Bangladesh toured South Africa for a Test series in 2022, the hosts secured a convincing 2-0 series victory.
Proteas Men’s squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada and Ryan Rickelton.
Fixtures:
First Test: South Africa v Bangladesh, 15–19 November, DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (10:00).
Second Test: South Africa v Bangladesh, 23–27 November, SuperSport Park, Centurion (10:00).