Bavuma to lead SA at Indian World Cup

Proteas limited overs coach, Rob Walter, sprung a few surprises on Wednesday when he named his 15-man for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be hosted in India from October 5th to November the 19th.

Temba Bavuma will lead the side in his first 50-over World Cup and is one of eight players who have earned their maiden World Cup call-ups. The now experienced Kagiso Rabada will lead the bowling attack, which also includes the likes of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and the young Gerald Coetzee.

The squad also comprises of at least three spin options in Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Aiden Markram.

The batting unit has the likes of David Miller, T20I captain Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen. The all-rounders, Marco Jansen and Sisanda Magala, complete the squad.

Speaking on the squad, Walters said:“It is always tough choosing a World Cup squad and I’ve said it a couple of times, the stronger the depth of your team, the better the players are that you’re leaving out.

“It’s great having a mix of experienced players and players who will be competing in their first 50-over World Cup – you get that sort of exuberance of excitement to be doing something for the first time.

He says they have also endeavoured to curate a well-balanced group of players and skill, which will allow them to effectively adapt to the conditions in India.

“Under the leadership of Temba and the senior group, I have the utmost faith this squad will make South Africa proud,” Walters added.

Below is the SA squad for the upcoming tournament:

Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), Gerald Coetzee ( Titans), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Sisanda Magala (Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), David Miller (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Lions) and Rassie van der Dussen (Lions).

Meanwhile, Dewald Brevis, Wayne Parnell and Tristan Stubbs have been released from the ODI squad against Australia for the five-match series that starts on Thursday.

Parnell will continue his recovery from a left shoulder injury under the medical supervision of Western Province Cricket.