Temba Bavuma in the WTC final (Source: AP Photos)
The World Test Champions, South Africa, will be without their charismatic skipper Temba Bavuma in the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.
The right-handed batter played with a hamstring injury in the WTC final, but it probably aggravated his problem, and now the official X handle of Cricket South Africa has confirmed that their regular skipper will miss the Test series against Zimbabwe. In his place, Keshav Maharaj will lead the side, and Bavuma is set to undergo further scans to assess the extent of his injury.
South Africa's first assignment in the new WTC cycle is the two-match Test series against Pakistan in October. Thus, there is ample time for Temba Bavuma to get fit and ready for the title defence. However, if he recovers early, he might be back to lead South Africa in the ODI series against Australia in August.
Proteas Set To Try Out Youngsters In Absence Of Seniors On Zimbabwe Tour
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe series will give Keshav Maharaj a chance to lead his country in red-ball cricket for the first time. Alongside Temba Bavuma, several prominent players like Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs will not feature against Zimbabwe and it is an opportunity for some youngsters to show their talent in the longest format.
The likes of Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius are among the five uncapped players in the squad, and the series could help the WTC champions increase their talent pool.
South Africa's Updated Test Squad For Zimbabwe Series
David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi (second Test only), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf
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