Cricket South Africa has recently declared that Temba Bavuma, the team’s World Cup captain, will not participate in the upcoming white-ball series against India. The announcement was made as part of the squad selection for the multi-format tour.
Bavuma, along with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, will be absent from the limited-overs series. This decision allows them to focus on preparing for two important World Test Championship matches, which commence in Centurion on December 26.
In a strategic move, fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen will only feature in the initial two T20 internationals. They will then return to their respective franchises to participate in domestic four-day cricket, gearing up for the subsequent Test series.
Rob Walter, the one-day coach, mentioned that this strategy was formulated in coordination with Test coach Shukri Conrad. Walter highlighted the need to balance the team’s commitments, stating, “We have a busy summer starting with the T20Is and then ODIs against India. We have thus chosen to rest several senior players.”
Shukri Conrad emphasized the significance of the upcoming World Test Championship cycle, aiming for a strong start against a formidable opponent like India.
The Test squad sees the inclusion of three uncapped players: David Bedingham of Durham and Western Province, left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger, and batsman Tristan Stubbs. Burger is poised for his international debut, having been named in all three squads. Another fresh face is all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana, selected for the one-day series.
The first T20 international is scheduled to take place in Durban on Sunday, followed by two more T20 matches and three one-day internationals.
India, too, will be missing key players for the white-ball matches, as regular captain Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli are being rested in anticipation of the Test matches.
