On September 22, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced their squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan next month. South Africa will miss the services of their captain Temba Bavuma who suffered a calf injury during the third and final ODI of the series against England earlier this month. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the Proteas in their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign opener. Markram has been rested from the white-ball leg of the tour.
There is a question mark on Bavuma’s availability for the two-Test series against Pakistan in November but the head coach Shukri Conrad is confident of his return.
"Temba's calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November," Conrad said.
"Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed.”
Maharaj unavailable for opening Test, veteran recalled
Also, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is unavailable for the first of the two Tests, starting on October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Maharaj suffered a groin strain during England tour.
"At the same time, the majority of the Test squad have experience of playing in the subcontinent and understand the demands that come with it, so I'm confident they will embrace the challenge. Pakistan is one of the tougher places to tour, and with spin-friendly conditions expected and Keshav only available from the second game, it was important to have an experienced campaigner like Simon in the squad to provide extra depth in the spin department," Conrad said.
In Maharaj’s absence from the first Test, veteran spinner Simon Harmer may make his comeback. Harmer’s last Test appearance was in March 2023 against West Indies. Harmer has played 10 Tests and claimed 39 wickets at an average of 27.56, including four four-wicket hauls. However, the 36-year-old brings heaps of experience in first-class cricket with 983 wickets from 231 games.
No place for Ngidi
The notable absence from the Test squad is Lungi Ngidi as Conrad feels he will be ineffective in spin-friendly conditions.
"We don't think Lungi will be as effective in Tests in Pakistan. Hence, not including him," Conrad explained.
South Africa’s Test squad for Pakistan tour -
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne.