Temba Bavuma, South Africa's Test captain, has been named in the South Africa 'A' squad for the second four-day match against India 'A'. This inclusion is part of his return-to-play program as he prepares for the Test series against India in November.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the South Africa 'A' squads for their upcoming tour to India, which features both four-day and one-day matches. The four-day squad will compete in two matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from October 30 to November 9. Following the four-day games, the one-day side will participate in a three-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from November 13 to 19.
Marques Ackerman will lead both the four-day and one-day squads. Bavuma's inclusion is specifically for the second first-class match. WSB Western Province spinner Kyle Simmonds has earned his maiden SA 'A' call-up to the four-day side. DP World Lions all-rounder Delano Potgieter has been included for the first time in the 50-over squad.
The South Africa 'A' team is heading to India after a competitive tour against New Zealand 'A' at home, where they won the one-day series 2-1 but lost the four-day series 0-1.
SA 'A' head coach Wandile Gwavu expressed his anticipation for the tour. He stated that the team is eager to compete against India in their home conditions. Gwavu also noted the improvements in their ability to play and bowl spin, which will be tested in the subcontinent conditions. He highlighted the importance of adaptability and mental toughness when playing in India. Gwavu believes that gaining experience on subcontinent surfaces and adapting to varying conditions will be valuable for the players as they build towards future tours and potential opportunities with the Proteas.
The four-day squad is scheduled to depart for Bengaluru from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on October 25.
South Africa A Four-Day Squad against India A:
- Marques Ackerman (c)
- 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
South Africa A One-Day Squad against India A:
- Marques Ackerman (c)
- Ottniel Baartman
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Jordan Hermann
- Rubin Hermann
- Kwena Maphaka
- Rivaldo Moonsamy
- Tshepo Moreki
- Mihlali Mpongwana
- Nqaba Peter
- Delano Potgieter
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Sinethemba Qeshile
- Jason Smith
- Codi Yusuf
