South Africa has unveiled a familiar Test squad to face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next month. Temba Bavuma will captain the side, with Kagiso Rabada featuring prominently as the lead fast bowler after completing a one-month suspension for a failed drug test.
Rabada’s ban, lasting from April 3 to May 3, ended just in time for him to be available for Gujarat Titans’ IPL match against Mumbai Indians on May 6, although he was not selected for the game. As the focal point of a six-pronged seam attack, Rabada will be supported by Lungi Ngidi, who hasn’t played a Test since August the previous year.
The selectors have opted not to include Gerald Coetzee, absent from the home summer due to a groin injury during the Durban Test against Sri Lanka, or 19-year-old left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka, who made his debut against Pakistan at Newlands. Anrich Nortje, lacking a central contract and recently sidelined by a toe injury, and Nandre Burger, recovering from a back stress fracture at the IPL, also miss out. However, Dane Paterson, who has been pivotal in South Africa’s domestic success and is currently with Middlesex, makes the cut.
For spin bowling, South Africa has chosen Keshav Maharaj and all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy. Muthusamy has been regularly included in squads but hasn’t played since the Bangladesh tour last October.
The batting line-up appears familiar, with Aiden Markram expected to open alongside either Tony de Zorzi or Ryan Rickelton. It remains uncertain if Tristan Stubbs will retain the No.3 spot or be moved lower, whereas Bavuma, recuperating from a minor elbow issue, is set to bat at No.4.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s correspondent for South Africa and women’s cricket.
