Bavuma out of Test series in Pakistan as De Kock back for ODIs

AFP | Johannesburg

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Captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of South Africa’s Test series against Pakistan next month, but Quinton de Kock has made himself available again for the one-day internationals.

Cricket South Africa announced yesterday that a calf injury will prevent Bavuma, who led the Proteas to the World Test championship at Lord’s in London in June, from playing the first series in defence of their title. Aiden Markram will captain the team in the two-Test series which starts in Lahore on October 12.

Selection convener Patrick Moroney said Bavuma’s calf strain, suffered in a recent oneday series in England, would keep him out of action for six to eight weeks.

“The focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for a tour of India in November,” said Moroney.

South Africa will also be without leading spin bowler Keshav Maharaj for the first Test but it is hoped he will have recovered from a groin strain in time to play in the second Test, which starts in Rawalpindi on October 20.