Temba Bavuma returns to lead South Africa in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka

Temba Bavuma has returned to lead South Africa in their pursuit of a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. His last international match was on October 4, when he was sidelined after suffering an elbow injury during a One-Day International (ODI) against Ireland. The injury also ruled him out of the Test series against Bangladesh. However, Bavuma has now made a comeback to the squad for the home series against Sri Lanka.

The South African captain has fully recovered from his elbow injury and has been included in the squad for the two upcoming Test matches against Sri Lanka. However, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger remain unavailable due to injury.

From the squad that played the most recent Test series against Bangladesh, Matthew Britz has been dropped, along with Dewald Brevis, Dane Piedt, and Lungi Ngidi. On the other hand, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, who last played Tests against India in December and January, have been recalled.

If South Africa can win both Tests against Sri Lanka and subsequently defeat Pakistan in two home Tests in December and January, they will qualify for the WTC final, which is set to be held at Lord’s in June.