SA Finalizes XI for Opening Test Against Sri Lanka

South Africa has announced its playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka, set to begin on Friday, November 29, at Kingsmead, Durban. The team sees the return of Temba Bavuma, who resumes captaincy after recovering from a left elbow injury that sidelined him during the Bangladesh tour. 

Aiden Markram, who led South Africa to a 2-0 sweep in Bangladesh, hands the reins back to Bavuma. The hosts also welcome pacers Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, both returning to the red-ball squad after their last appearances against India earlier this year. 

The changes mean Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, and Dane Paterson, who featured in South Africa's innings-and-273-run victory against Bangladesh in October, miss out on this Test. 

South Africa currently holds fifth place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With four matches remaining in this cycle, including two against Pakistan, they remain in contention for their first WTC Final appearance. 

Their opponents, Sri Lanka, ranked third on the WTC points table, trailing only India and Australia. Both teams view the series as a crucial opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for the final. 

The match not only marks Bavuma’s return but also highlights South Africa's focus on fielding a strong lineup to counter a determined Sri Lankan side. The series promises high stakes as both teams push to secure a spot in the WTC Final. 

South Africa playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada

Series schedule:

First Test: Durban, November 27- December 1

Second Test: Port Elizabeth, December 5 - 9