South Africa Squad for Test Series Against Sri Lanka has been Announced

South Africa has announced a 14-player squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, an important fixture in their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 campaign. With qualification for the WTC Final at stake, the Proteas will aim to capitalize on home conditions to secure vital points.

The squad features the return of captain Temba Bavuma, who has recovered from a left elbow injury that sidelined him since October. Bavuma's leadership will be pivotal as South Africa battles to maintain their qualification hopes. The Proteas are currently fifth on the WTC standings and need a strong showing in this series​

Proteas Squad and Strategy

The squad balances experience and youth, with notable inclusions like Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, both returning after last playing Tests against India earlier this year. South Africa’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, alongside Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder. Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy will handle spin duties.

Full Squad:

1. Temba Bavuma (Captain)
2. David Bedingham
3. Gerald Coetzee
4. Tony de Zorzi
5. Marco Jansen
6. Keshav Maharaj
7. Aiden Markram
8. Wiaan Mulder
9. Senuran Muthusamy
10. Dane Paterson
11. Kagiso Rabada
12. Tristan Stubbs
13. Ryan Rickelton
14. Kyle Verreynne

Head coach Shukri Conrad emphasized the importance of continuity and home advantage, stating, “Playing on home soil in front of our supporters is always special. We’ve named a competitive squad to keep our WTC hopes alive.” The team will hold a preparatory camp in Pretoria before traveling to Durban​

World Test Championship Context

South Africa currently sits fifth on the WTC points table with a win percentage of 47.22. To qualify for the 2025 Final, the Proteas need a 2-0 series victory against Sri Lanka, which could propel them closer to the top two. Their final WTC assignment will be a challenging away series against Pakistan in early 2025​

The Proteas’ reliance on their pace attack will be critical in conditions traditionally favorable to seamers at Kingsmead and St. George’s Park. Bavuma’s return strengthens the batting order, and the presence of all-rounders like Jansen and Mulder provides balance to the XI​

Schedule:

• 1st Test: November 27 - December 1, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
• 2nd Test: December 5 - December 9, Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha

The stakes for this series couldn’t be higher, as both teams are in contention for the coveted WTC Final spot. Cricket enthusiasts will be closely watching South Africa's performance, hoping for a display worthy of their ambitions.