After securing a draw in the two-match Test series against Pakistan, South Africa are gearing up to take India in the longest format of the game.
The Proteas are all set to lock horns against Team India in a two-match Test series. Ahead of the Test series, South Africa has announced their 15-member squad.
Temba Bavuma, who missed out on the tour of Pakistan, will take over the leadership duties for the India series. The team comprises three spinners: Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy.
Muthusamy was named the “Player of the Series” against Pakistan.
Speaking about the squad, South Africa`s head coach Shukri Conrad said players who have shown character during the Pakistan series have been selected for the contest against India.
“We’ve kept the bulk of the squad that competed in the two-match series against Pakistan. Those players showed real character and fought hard to come from behind and draw that series,” he said.
“We are anticipating a similar challenge in India, and many of the players who stood up in those conditions will once again be key for us,” the head coach added.
Speaking further on the team selection, Conrad feels that securing a draw against Pakistan was a team effort, and the conditions in India will also demand the same.
“Pakistan was a squad effort and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour,” the 58-year-old former cricketer stated.
The first of the two Test matches between the two sides will begin from November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India is yet to announce the squad for the series.
South Africa and Team India will also engage in the white-ball series, which will include three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five T20 Internationals (T20Is).
South Africa squad for India tour: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.
