South Africa unveil playing XI for opening Test against Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 27 November 2024 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ahead of the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka at home, South Africa have locked in on their line-up for the match starting Friday, 29 November in Kingsmead, Durban.

While Aiden Markram had led the Proteas to a 2-0 series sweep on their recent tour of Bangladesh, Bavuma is back at helm to lead the side after recovering from a left elbow injury.

Also returning back to action for the Proteas red-ball side is the pace duo of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, both of whom had last featured in the longest format during the India tour of South Africa earlier this year. The three players will be replacing Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, and Dane Paterson – all of whom were a part of South Africa’s mammoth innings-and-273-run win against Bangladesh back in October – in the playing XI.

South Africa, who currently sit fifth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, are still in contention for a maiden WTC Final spot with four matches – two more against Pakistan – yet to play in the remaining cycle.

Visitors Sri Lanka are also in the run, currently occupying the third spot in the points table, only below India and Australia.

South Africa playing XI: Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada

Series schedule:

First test: Durban, 27 November to 1 December

Second test: Port Elizabeth, 5 to 9 December