IND vs SA: South Africa A squads for Test and ODI series against India announced, Temba Bavuma included

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced its 'A' squads for the upcoming multi-series against India which is slated to start from October 30. This tour will serve as crucial preparation for both sides ahead of the senior Proteas team's bilateral series in India, which begins in November. South Africa A will play two unofficial Tests followed by three unofficial ODIs against India.

South Africa A squad for India tour unveiled

The South Africa A squad for the multi-day format includes senior Proteas Test skipper Temba Bavuma. The 35-year-old is named in the 16-member squad and is set to join the team for the second match. Bavuma was recently sidelined from South Africa's Test series against Pakistan due to a calf strain, an injury he sustained during the white-ball tour to England. After a recovery period estimated at six to eight weeks, he is now expected to make his competitive return against India A.

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Temba Bavuma returns

The return of World Test Championship (WTC) winning captain Temba Bavuma is anticipated during the series against India. The senior Proteas team is slated to play two Tests, followed by three ODIs and five T20Is against India. As a preparatory measure for this tour, Bavuma has been included in the South Africa A squad for the second unofficial Test.

The South Africa A side will be led by Marques Ackerman on their tour to India. The tour begins with two unofficial Test matches to be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Following the conclusion of the multi-day games, the squads will shift to Rajkot to compete in a three-match one-day series.

The squad for the two multi-day matches also features Rubin Hermann and Codi Yusuf. However, Prenelan Subrayen has been selected exclusively for the unofficial Tests. Notably, the omission of Connor Esterhuizen from both the Test and one-day squads raised some questions, considering his strong List-A cricket record of 342 runs at an average of nearly 43.

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South Africa A Four-Day squad against India A:

Marques Ackerman (captain), 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, Codi Yusuf.

*Available for the second match only

South Africa A One-Day squad against India A:

Marques Ackerman (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Delano Potgieter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Jason Smith, Codi Yusuf.