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South Africa are all set to host Sri Lanka for a pivotal two-match Test series, starting November 27 at Kingsmead, Durban. The action will then shift to St George’s Park, Gqeberha, where the second Test will take place from December 5 to 9.
This series carries immense significance for both sides as they strive to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. South Africa, fresh off a dominant 2-0 away series victory over Bangladesh, will look to make the most of home conditions to boost their WTC standings.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, currently third in the WTC table, enter the series with confidence following their emphatic 2-0 triumph over New Zealand at home.
South Africa boosted by star player returns
The Proteas will welcome the return of some of their most important players. Skipper Temba Bavuma, who missed the recent series due to a left elbow injury, is back to lead the side and anchor the batting lineup. The inclusion of all-rounder Marco Jansen provides a dual threat with bat and ball, while pace bowler Gerald Coetzee adds firepower to an already formidable bowling unit. Their return strengthens South Africa’s chances of a strong performance against the visitors.
Also READ: South Africa unveil squad for the home Test series against Sri Lanka; Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee return
South Africa best starting XI for the Test series against Sri Lanka:
1. Aiden Markram
- Role: Opening batter
- Strength: Exceptional technique, aggressive stroke play, and adaptability to different conditions. Markram has an ability to balance aggression and defense, making him a dangerous player against both spin and pace. His footwork against spinners is sharp, and he can accelerate the scoring when needed.
- What he brings to the team: As a top-order batter, Markram provides a blend of stability and attacking intent. His experience in building partnerships at the top makes him a critical player in setting the tone for the innings.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Markram will be tasked with laying a strong foundation and countering the new-ball attack while looking to dominate Sri Lanka’s spinners early on.
2. Tony de Zorzi
- Role: Opening batter
- Strength: Patience, solid technique, and an ability to play long innings. De Zorzi thrives on grinding out runs and is known for his mental toughness, especially in challenging conditions.
- What he brings to the team: De Zorzi complements Markram’s aggression with his ability to anchor the innings. His temperament and knack for seeing off tough spells make him a reliable option at the top.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: De Zorzi is expected to see off the new ball and build partnerships with Markram, ensuring South Africa has a stable platform for the middle order.
3. Temba Bavuma (captain)
- Role: Middle-order batter, Captain
- Strength: Strong temperament, excellent ability to handle pressure, and proficiency against spin bowling. Bavuma’s calmness in high-pressure situations and his leadership on the field make him indispensable to the team.
- What he brings to the team: As captain and a key middle-order batter, Bavuma’s role is to stabilize the innings and guide the team with his tactical acumen. He also brings valuable experience in handling spin, a key challenge against Sri Lanka.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Bavuma is expected to lead by example with the bat and make tactical decisions that counter Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy strategy.
4. David Bedingham
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Strength: Consistency, ability to adapt to different situations, and proficiency in playing both spin and pace. Bedingham has a solid track record in domestic cricket and can adjust his game depending on the team’s requirements.
- What he brings to the team: Bedingham adds reliability to the middle order, with the ability to build partnerships or accelerate when needed. His compact technique allows him to counter quality bowling attacks.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Bedingham will be looked upon to provide consistency in the middle order, anchoring the innings when early wickets fall or capitalizing on good starts.
5. Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
- Strength: Agile behind the stumps, reliable under pressure, and capable of aggressive stroke play in the middle order. Rickelton combines sound glovework with the ability to score quick runs.
- What he brings to the team: Rickelton ensures solid keeping skills while being a dynamic batter who can take on the bowlers during crucial moments. His versatility with the bat adds depth to the lineup.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Rickelton is expected to contribute vital lower-middle order runs and provide flawless work with the gloves to complement South Africa’s bowlers.
6. Marco Jansen
- Role: All-rounder (left-arm fast bowler, lower-order batter)
- Strength: Height and bounce, ability to move the ball, and powerful lower-order hitting. Jansen’s natural ability to extract bounce and his knack for breaking partnerships make him a vital player.
- What he brings to the team: Jansen’s left-arm pace adds variety to the attack, and his ability to score quick lower-order runs provides a boost to the team’s total.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Jansen will be expected to bowl impactful spells and contribute with the bat in tight situations, making him an all-round threat.
7. Wiaan Mulder
- Role: All-rounder (medium-fast bowler, middle-order batter)
- Strength: Consistency with the ball, handy contributions with the bat, and athleticism in the field. Mulder’s ability to maintain tight lines and chip in with crucial breakthroughs makes him a valuable asset.
- What he brings to the team: Mulder offers a balanced skill set, providing depth in both batting and bowling departments. His energy and reliability add strength to the team’s middle order and seam attack.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Mulder will be expected to deliver economical bowling spells and play gritty innings in pressure situations.
8. Keshav Maharaj
- Role: Lead spinner
- Strength: Accuracy, flight, and the ability to bowl long spells. Maharaj’s control and subtle variations make him a threat on turning tracks.
- What he brings to the team: As South Africa’s premier spinner, Maharaj offers control in the middle overs and can exploit any assistance from the pitch. His experience and composure under pressure are invaluable.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Maharaj is expected to take key wickets, especially against Sri Lanka’s middle order, and maintain tight control to build pressure.
9. Kagiso Rabada
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strength: Raw pace, aggression, and consistency in hitting the right lengths. Rabada’s ability to bowl deadly yorkers and sharp bouncers makes him one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.
- What he brings to the team: Rabada is the spearhead of South Africa’s pace attack, capable of delivering match-winning spells. His energy and wicket-taking ability make him a leader in the bowling department.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Rabada will be expected to provide early breakthroughs and trouble Sri Lanka’s batters with his relentless pace and precision.
10. Gerald Coetzee
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strength: Express pace, bounce, and aggression. Coetzee’s ability to rattle batters with pace and extract bounce from the wicket makes him a lethal weapon.
- What he brings to the team: Coetzee brings a fiery presence to the attack, complementing Rabada with his pace and hostility. He can unsettle batters with short-pitched deliveries and late movement.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Coetzee will be expected to create pressure and take wickets during key moments, acting as a strike bowler alongside Rabada.
11. Dane Paterson
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strength: Paterson is a disciplined seamer known for his consistent line and length, ability to move the ball both ways, and his skill in exploiting seam-friendly conditions. His experience in domestic cricket has honed his ability to adapt to different surfaces, and he is effective in both attacking and containing roles.
- What he brings to the team: Paterson provides depth to the pace attack with his reliability and precision. He can maintain pressure from one end, creating opportunities for wickets while being economical, especially during long spells.
- Expectation for the Test series against SL: Paterson will aim to make the most of the home conditions, keeping the opposition batters under control and picking up key wickets to complement South Africa’s star pacers like Rabada and Coetzee.
