Bavuma recalled for crucial final Test against England
South Africa have recalled batsman Temba Bavuma for the deciding final Test against England.
Bavuma missed the series opener at Centurion with a hip injury and was then overlooked for the next two matches, both of which South Africa lost, despite his official role as vice-captain.
He will now make his return at the Wanderers, having scored a career-best 180 on his return to domestic cricket with the Lions last week.
Bavuma, who scored his only Test century four years ago against England, takes the place of the off-form Zubayr Hamza and will bat in the middle order while Rassie van der Dussen moves up to three.
“I can tell you that Temba is back in the side to replace Zubayr,” said captain Faf du Plessis.
“The rest of the selection we are still waiting on to see what the weather does, but that one is definite.”
There will be at least one other change to the XI, with Kagiso Rabada banned for an accumulation of disciplinary breaches, culminating in his celebration after dismissing Joe Root in Port Elizabeth.
Left-armer Beuran Hendricks is in line for a debut but all-rounders Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo are also on hand.
Regardless of who is picked, the seam attack will revolve around Vernon Philander in his final Test before international retirement.
Paying tribute to the 34-year-old, who has signed for Somerset, Du Plessis said: “Vern is that good that he will take some time to replace, but I know there’s a lot of talent in this pool of South African cricket that someone will come through.
“He is a banker. I know I am going to get control out of him, I know Vern gives me that.
“In the later years it’s been about managing his workload. He didn’t bowl as much in the previous game as a bowler like him can bowl but that was foresight, understanding that we will need him here at Wanderers.
“If necessary he can push himself a little bit more here, which he will because it’s his last.”
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.