South Africa made 2 changes to the series winning Australian team for the Bangladesh Tests

South Africa have dropped David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynn from their 15-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh following their memorable 2-1 series win over Australia. The Proteas will continue to be led by captain Temba Bavuma who they regained the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings after their impressive domestic summer.

The first Test against Bangladesh will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from November 15-19, while the second is scheduled for SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23-27.

Bedingham’s omission comes despite the right-hander making useful contributions during the Australian series. He scored 49 and 46 in the opening Test in Durban before adding a half-century in the series-deciding third Test in Cape Town. Meanwhile, Verreynne featured in the first Test, scoring 13 and 1 before losing his place to Ryan Rickelton, who took over wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the series.

The Proteas have made room for the return of Tony de Zorzi, who has recovered from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Australia series. Batsman Zubayr Hamza also earned a place in the lineup, adding depth to the top order.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje returns after being sidelined for two weeks with a groin injury. He joins Kagiso Rabada, Marc Jansen, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch in the pace attack, while Wiaan Mulder provides another versatile option. Lungi Ngidi was not considered for selection as he continues his rehabilitation.

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said the team will look to carry the momentum from the Australia series into their next assignment. He also highlighted the conditions expected on the Highveld, suggesting that the team will put more emphasis on seam-bowling options.

“Traditionally, Highveld surfaces favor pace and bounce, although we’ve seen Wanderers offer some spin help in recent times. So with that in mind, we’ll be focusing more on our seam bowling options,” Conrad said.

In 2022, the last time Bangladesh took part in a Test series in South Africa, the hosts secured a 2-0 victory.

South Africa’s triumph over Australia was built on a remarkable turnaround after they lost the opening Test by 214 runs in Durban. Bavum’s side fought back with an innings and a 31-run victory at Gqeberha, with the skipper producing a career-best 179 to lead the recovery after the hosts slumped to 110 for six. They then sealed the series with a 176-run win at Newlands in Cape Town. Chasing 288, Australia were bowled out for 111, with Simon Harmer taking six wickets for 16 runs in a decisive spell on the final day. The win also moved South Africa to the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time since 2016.

The Proteas will meet in Johannesburg on November 11.

Proteas squad for home Tests in Bangladesh

Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada and Ryan Rickelton.

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