Proteas Test captain Bavuma set to make his comeback on SA 'A' Tour of India

Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma will begin his road back to recovery on the upcoming South Africa A tour of India next month.

Bavuma was included in the 16-player squad for the second four-day match of the series. The 35-year-old is currently undergoing rehab on a calf strain, which he sustained on the recent tour of England, forcing Bavuma to miss the on-going tour of Pakistan.  

The skipper was sorely missed over the past week as the world Test champion Proteas went down by 93 runs in the first Test in Lahore. Bavuma will be closely monitored during the South Africa ‘A’ series as he works towards a comeback for the much-anticipated Test series against India in November. 

Proteas teenage seamer Kwena Maphaka has also been included in the South Africa ‘A’ one-day squad. The 19-year-old is also on the mend after suffering a hamstring strain in a recent CSA 4-Day Series match at Newlands, which ruled him out of the white-ball tour to Pakistan. 

Marques Ackerman, who had led the South Africa ‘A’ side in recent series against the West Indies and New Zealand, will lead the team in India.

Western Province left-arm spinner Kyle Simmonds has earned his maiden SA A call-up to the 4-Day side, while Lions all-rounder Delano Potgieter has been included for the first time in the 50-over squad. 

“We’re looking forward to this tour and are eager to take on the challenge of competing against India in their own backyard,” said SA A head coach Wandile Gwavu.

“Our ability to play and bowl spin has improved significantly over the years, so playing in the subcontinent, which will be a first for many of the players, will be a good test. We’re definitely up for it as a team.

“It’s been a while since South Africa 'A' last tour India, and playing there always demands adaptability and mental toughness. Gaining experience on subcontinent surfaces and learning to adapt to varying conditions, especially in the red-ball format, will be invaluable for our players as we continue to build towards future tours and potential Proteas opportunities.” 

South Africa 'A' 4-day squad against India 'A'

Marques Ackerman (captain), Temba Bavuma*, Okuhle Cele, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Simmonds, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Jason Smith, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf.

*Second match only

South Africa 'A' one-day squad against India 'A'

Marques Ackerman (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Delano Potgieter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Jason Smith, Codi Yusuf.

Fixtures

Four-Day Series

October 30 to November 2: India 'A' v South Africa 'A' @ BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

October 6-9: India 'A' v South Africa 'A' @ BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

One-day series

November 13: India 'A' v South Africa 'A' @ Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot 

November 16: India 'A' v South Africa 'A' @ Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot 

November 19: India 'A' v South Africa 'A' @ Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot