Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test match against Bangladesh due to a muscle strain in his left triceps.
The two-match Test series will begin on October 21 at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur.
Although he will not participate in the match, Bavuma will travel with the South African team to Bangladesh and continue his recovery under the guidance of the Proteas medical staff.
Aiden Markram Steps Up as Captain
In Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram has been appointed as the captain for the upcoming Test, which is set to begin on October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Markram, who has previously captained South Africa in various formats, expressed his readiness to lead the team during this important series.
South Africa Test Squad Adjustments
To fill the gap left by Bavuma, young batter Dewald Brevis has been added to the squad as cover.
Brevis has made a name for himself in domestic cricket, having played 12 first-class matches where he scored 749 runs at an average of 37.45, including two centuries and four fifties. His inclusion is seen as a chance for fresh talent to make an impact on the international stage.
In addition to Bavuma’s injury, left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger will also miss the series due to a lumbar stress fracture. Lungi Ngidi has been named as his replacement, adding further depth to South Africa’s bowling attack.
Recent Injury History for Bavuma
Bavuma’s injury woes have been ongoing. He missed the first ODI against Afghanistan in September due to illness and was replaced by Markram as captain during that series.
More recently, he sat out the third ODI against Ireland because of a soft tissue injury in his left elbow, with Rassie van der Dussen taking over leadership duties at that time.
Following the first Test in Mirpur, South Africa will move to Chattogram for the second Test starting on October 29 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The Proteas are keen to establish a strong performance in this series after facing challenges in recent outings.
South Africa Test squad:
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne
