Bavuma Ruled Out of First Test Against Bangladesh, Aiden Markram to Lead South Africa

Bavuma ruled out of first Test / Getty

South Africa has suffered a setback ahead of their two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with captain Temba Bavuma ruled out of the first Test. Bavuma has sustained a left tricep muscle strain, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Friday. The injury will prevent him from taking part in the opening game at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, scheduled to start on October 21.

Despite his absence from the first Test, Bavuma will travel with the team to Bangladesh on Tuesday and continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical team. He is expected to return for the second Test, provided he makes sufficient progress. Aiden Markram, a key figure in South Africa’s top order, will take over the captaincy in Bavuma’s absence.

Dewald Brevis Earns Maiden Test Call-Up

In a significant development, young batting sensation Dewald Brevis has been called up to the Test side for the first time. Brevis, known for his explosive batting in limited-overs cricket, will add an extra dimension to South Africa’s squad as they prepare for the Bangladesh tour. His inclusion comes as a direct replacement for Bavuma, offering him an opportunity to showcase his skills in the longest format of the game.

Ngidi Replaces Injured Burger

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has also been added to the squad as a replacement for left-arm seamer Nandre Burger, who will miss the entire series due to a lumbar stress fracture. Burger, who had been part of South Africa's plans for the Bangladesh tour, will now begin his rehabilitation process with medical staff from CSA and Western Province. Ngidi's return will bolster the Proteas' pace attack alongside Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson.

Red-Ball Camp in Pretoria

Ahead of their departure to Bangladesh, the South African squad will gather for a red-ball training camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from October 12 to 14. The camp will focus on preparations for the challenging conditions they are expected to face in Dhaka, with spin likely to play a significant role in the series. The Proteas will be aiming to build on their recent successes and secure another Test series victory abroad.

Updated South Africa Test Squad: 

Temba Bavuma (Unavailable for 1st Test), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram (Captain), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.