(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
South Africa Name Squads for Pakistan Tour, Bavuma Out Injured, De Kock Returns
Johannesburg: South Africa have announced their squads for the upcoming all-formats tour of Pakistan, with skipper Temba Bavuma ruled out due to a calf injury. In a major boost, star wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is set to return to white-ball cricket after coming out of ODI retirement.
The Proteas begin their World Test Championship title defence with a two-match Test series, starting in Lahore on October 12 and followed by the second Test in Rawalpindi on October 20. Aiden Markram will lead the side in Bavuma’s absence. Coach Shukri Conrad admitted Bavuma’s absence is a big blow, saying his leadership and batting will be missed.
South Africa have picked four spinners for the tour, with Simon Harmer making a Test comeback after two years. Keshav Maharaj is expected to join from the second Test as he recovers from injury, while Prenelan Subrayen and Senuran Muthusamy also feature in the squad.
For the white-ball series, De Kock’s inclusion is the headline. The 32-year-old, who retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup, is set to play both T20Is and ODIs. His return is seen as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Conrad said, “Quinton’s return is a major boost. His quality and experience will lift the team.”
Matthew Breetzke will captain the ODI side, while David Miller leads the T20I squad. Before the Pakistan tour, Donovan Ferreira will skipper South Africa in a one-off T20 against Namibia on October 11 in Windhoek.
Tour Schedule:
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1st Test: Lahore, October 12
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2nd Test: Rawalpindi, October 20
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T20Is: October 28 – November 1
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ODIs: November 4 – November 8
Key Squads:
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Tests: Aiden Markram (capt), Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (2nd Test), Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Dewald Brevis & others.
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T20Is: David Miller (capt), Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Lungi Ngidi & others.
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ODIs: Matthew Breetzke (capt), Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi & others.
