South Africa’s Temba Bavuma walks back to the pavilion after losing his wicket for 32 runs on the final day of the third Test match between England and South Africa at The Oval cricket ground in London on July 31, 2017. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /
Proteas squad members released for First-Class duty
Test vice-captain Temba Bavuma is among the members of the current squad released to play First-Class cricket.
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma walks back to the pavilion after losing his wicket for 32 runs on the final day of the third Test match between England and South Africa at The Oval cricket ground in London on July 31, 2017. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /
With domestic Four-Day cricket resuming on Monday, the Proteas have released several squad members not used in the ongoing second Test against England at Newlands.
A 17-man squad was initially named for the match, as the hosts seek to extend their lead, having gone 1-0 up following a convincing victory in Centurion.
Proteas squad cut down to 12
Now five members of the squad have been released for First-Class duty, with only the playing XI on display at Newlands plus uncapped 12th man Keegan Petersen remaining in the Mother City.
Among those set to turn out for their franchise is Test vice-captain Temba Bavuma, who recently returned from a hip injury which kept him out of the first match.
In his absence, Lions teammate Rassie van der Dussen grabbed his opportunity on debut, top-scoring with 51 in the Proteas second innings.
It was indicated in the lead-up to the Cape Town Test that Bavuma had been challenged to make big runs in the Lions’ fixture against the Knights, which takes place at The Wanderers.
“It’s about finding guys that are knocking on the door all the time to push us guys in the team to make sure that we lift our performances,” Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said in a pre-match media conference on Thursday.
“Temba is an agreement of that. And also that his performances over the last year in terms of a weight of runs possibly wasn’t where it needed to be. Weight of runs will be the way back into the team, as it will be for everyone.”
Faf du Plessis
Also released is four-Test veteran, Andile Phehlukwayo, who last played in the format during the home series against India in January 2018.
The other players who will be on show in the Four-Day Cup are wicketkeeper Rudi Second, along with seam bowlers Beuran Hendricks and Dane Paterson. All three are uncapped.
South Africa finished Day 1 in Newlands on the driving seat, with England at 262-9.
Play on the second day is expected to resume at 10:30 (SAST).
Proteas Test squad vs England
Faf du Plessis (Titans, captain), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Dean Elgar (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Pieter Malan (debut, Cape Cobras), Keegan Petersen (Knights), Zubayr Hamza (Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions).
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