Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen back as South Africa announce 14-man squad for SA vs SL 2024 Tests

South Africa's skipper Temba Bavuma and bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen have been recalled as the Proteas announced their squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. The announcement was made today, November 19.

The two Test match series is a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship Cycle (2023-25). The 14-man squad sees the return of Temba Bavuma, who was sidelined for the series against Bangladesh owing to an elbow injury.

Other names that return to the Test squad include pacers Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. Both of them last featured for the Proteas in white against Team India back in January this year.

South Africa's squad for two Tests against Sri Lanka: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne.

Speaking on the squad, Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad had the following to say via CSA's official statement:

"We are excited to be back on home soil after being on the road for some time. It’s always a great feeling to play in front of our supporters and deliver our best cricket at home. We’ve picked the strongest possible side to ensure we stay competitive and keep our hopes alive for a place in the World Test Championship Final."

“This time, we’ve named a squad of 14 instead of the usual 15 to allow players on the periphery of selection the opportunity to play first-class cricket for their respective provincial teams," he added.

Conrad also spoke about how he was delighted to have Temba Bavuma back in the team. He added:

"It’s great to have Temba back leading the side after his recovery. His leadership and skill are invaluable to the team. I’d also like to thank Aiden for stepping up and captaining the side so successfully during the Bangladesh series."

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South Africa to take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test match series starting November 27

South Africa will lock horns with Sri Lanka in a two-Test match series, which is a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The first Test between the two sides will be played from November 27 to December 1 at Kingsmead in Durban, while the second Test is scheduled from December 5-9 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

The two teams last faced each other in red-ball cricket back in 2020, where South Africa beat Sri Lanka 2-0. Sri Lanka hold the unique distinction of being the only Asian team to have beaten South Africa at home in a Test series. The Lankans defeated the Proteas 2-0 back in 2019.