Markram Set to Lead Proteas in Tests Against Pakistan

In the upcoming test series against Pakistan, Cricket South Africa has named Aiden Markram as the captain. He has been given the duty to lead Proteas, as Temba Bavuma hasn’t recovered from the calf strain. The series against Pakistan will start South Africa’s campaign for the test title defence. They won the World Test Championship recently by beating Australia at Lord’s. Proteas will now be hoping to start another campaign in style, as the majority of their test stars return for the Pakistan challenge.

Unfortunately, Temba Bavuma will not be touring Pakistan due to a calf injury he picked up in the recent white-ball tour of England. He will need at least six to eight weeks to recover from the injury properly. Cricket South Africa is therefore not taking any risks with Bavuma’s fitness. They have appointed Aiden Markram as the captain to lead the Proteas against Pakistan.

"Temba's calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November," head coach of South Africa, Shukri Conrad, explained.

He further stated that the team will miss Bavuma during the tour, as he has been phenomenal as captain for South Africa.

"Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed,” said Shukri Conrad.

The spin department of Proteas also includes some news names for the Pakistan test series. They have called up Simon Harmer to join the test squad, as he teams up with Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen in the spin department. Simon Harmer has not played a test match since March 2023. This test series will therefore give an opportunity to prove his credentials as a specialist spin bowler.

Quinton de Kock Returns to the Proteas Team

Another major news that thrilled the fans of the South African team is the return of Quinton de Kock. The 32-year old batter has reversed his international cricket retirement, and he has been called back to the national team for the Pakistan tour. Quinton de Kock has been announced in both ODI and T20I squads of South Africa for the Pakistan tour. His return will certainly bolster the Proteas team that will play the white ball games against Pakistan without the majority of the test stars.

The squads that have been announced for the white ball games still include many players that are regular in the Proteas ODI and T20I setup. Matthew Breetzke will captain the ODI squad, while David Miller will lead the Proteas in the T20Is.

South Africa Squad for Pakistan Tests

Aiden Markram (capt), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne

South Africa Squad for Pakistan T20Is

David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams

South Africa Squad for Pakistan ODIs

Matthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile