Zubayr Hamza has returned to South Africa’s Test squad for the two-match home series against Bangladesh, with Tony de Zorzi and Anrich Nortje also included after recovering from injuries.
The 15-player squad announced on Monday, 2 November, will be captained by Temba Bavuma. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was not considered while he continues his rehabilitation.
De Zorzi missed the Australia series with a hamstring injury. Nortje returns following a groin injury, adding to a pace group that includes Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch.
In Cricket South Africa’s announcement, reproduced by SuperSport, coach Shukri Conrad said Hamza would provide further top-order depth. He said preparations before the opening Test would help the selectors decide on their combination.
Two Tests on the Highveld
The first match is scheduled for the Wanderers in Johannesburg from 15 to 19 November. SuperSport Park in Centurion hosts the second from 23 to 27 November. Play is scheduled to start at 10:00 SAST.
The squad is due to assemble in Johannesburg on 11 November. The match-day XI for the opening Test has not been announced in the squad statement.
South Africa enter the series after beating Australia 2–1. Conrad said seam-bowling options would be an important consideration on the Highveld, while noting that the Wanderers has also offered assistance to spin.
South Africa’s squad
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.
