South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma is set to play in the A series against India after recovering from a calf injury. He aims to return to the main team through this tour. Recently, he was benched during the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the South Africa A squads on Thursday for their upcoming tour to India later this month, covering multiple formats. The four-day squad will play two matches against the hosts at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from 30 October to 9 November. The one-day side will compete in a three-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from 13 to 19 November.
Marques Ackerman will lead both sides, with Test captain Temba Bavuma included
in the squad for the second first-class match as part of his return-to-play program ahead of the Test series against India in November.
WSB Western Province spinner Kyle Simmonds has earned his first SA A call-up for the four-day side, while DP World Lions all-rounder Delano Potgieter has been selected for the first time in the 50-over squad. The A sides head into the tour following a competitive home series against New Zealand A, 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 enthusiasm for the tour, emphasizing the challenge of competing against India on their home ground. He noted that their ability to play and bowl spin has improved significantly, and playing in the subcontinent will be a good test for many of the players. He added that touring India demands adaptability and mental toughness, and gaining experience on subcontinent surfaces will be invaluable for the players as they build towards future tours and potential opportunities with the Proteas.
The four-day squad will depart for Bengaluru from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 25 October.
South Africa A Four-Day Squad against India A: Marques Ackerman, 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, and Codi Yusuf.
South Africa A One-Day squad against India A: Marques Ackerman, Ottneil 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, and Codi Yusuf.
Management – Four-Day Series: Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Richard das Neves (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist), and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).
(With agency inputs)
