Bavuma, Morkel in contention for Newlands Test

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Temba Bavuma and Morne Morkel are in contention to come into the Proteas team for the third Test against Australia, starting on Thursday, according to captain Faf du Plessis.

Bavuma has not played any professional cricket since January when he injured his hand playing in a domestic match but has now fully recovered.

Seamer Lungi Ngidi has a slight problem with his toe and will be assessed before the game with Morkel, who will be retiring at the end of the series, on standby to come into the team.

Du Plessis told reporters on Wednesday: “We have 13 in mind for this game. Temba is ready to go again, so the decision is between him and Theunis de Bruyn. Then also a decision between Morne and Lungi.

“Lungi bowled really well in the previous game. He has a little of a toe problem which is why the consideration is happening between the two of them.

“If he is not 100% then it is a very easy decision for us. What counts in Morne’s favour is that he is a very fit bowler and can bowl long spells.

“That’s very important going into this Test match especially if we only have three seamers and a spinner.

“We will have the three bowlers who have the biggest tank with regards to bowling a lot of overs.”

Du Plessis also made it clear that the Proteas management will have no issues playing Bavuma even though he has had no time in the middle.

The Proteas skipper explained: “Temba, yes, has not played cricket but it is more for him on a mental side of things. 

“But he has been looking good in the nets for a while and he is now fully recovered.”

The four-match series is currently level at 1-1 with two games still to go.

Nasri Alexander at Newlands

Australia tour to South Africa Morne Morkel Proteas Temba Bavuma

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