Durban, Nov 26 (FN Agency) Ahead of the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka at home, South Africa have locked in on their lineup for the match starting Wednesday in Kingsmead, here. While Aiden Markram had led the Proteas to a 2-0 series sweep on their recent tour of Bangladesh, Bavuma is back at helm to lead the side after recovering from a left elbow injury. Also returning back to action for the Proteas red-ball side is the pace duo of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, both of whom had last featured in the longest format during the India tour ofSouth Africa earlier this year. The three players will be replacing Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, and Dane Paterson – all of whom were a part of South Africa’s mammoth innings-and-273-run win against Bangladesh back in October – in the playing XI.
South Africa, who currently sit fifth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, are still in contention for a maiden WTC Final spot with four matches – two more against Pakistan – yet to play in the remaining cycle, an ICC report said. Visitors Sri Lanka are also in the run, currently occupying the third spot in the points table, only below India and Australia.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 RabadaSeries schedule: First Test: Durban, November 27- December 1Second Test: Port Elizabeth, December 5 – 9.