Tony de Zorzi, the top-order batsman, is set to rejoin South Africa’s Test squad for the two-match series against Bangladesh after recovering from a hamstring injury. The injury, sustained during the third ODI against Australia in September, had sidelined him until now. De Zorzi replaces David Bedingham, who is absent from the current squad.
In a move to bolster their batting line-up, South Africa have also included Zubayr Hamza, while wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne has been left out after sitting out the Australia series. Matthew Breetzke is named as the reserve wicketkeeper, with Ryan Rickelton expected to take up the main wicketkeeping duties.
The Highveld hosts both matches, with significant focus on South Africa’s formidable pace attack. Anrich Nortje returns following a groin injury that cut short his participation in the third Test against Australia at St George’s Park. After a two-week recovery period, he is fit for selection once again.
Accompanying Nortje in the pace department are Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson. Lungi Ngidi is still recovering from a hamstring injury and remains unavailable.
The squad also sees the inclusion of two specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, though Senuran Muthusamy is not selected. Given the speed-friendly pitches, it is expected that only one spinner will feature in the starting XI, leading to a decision between Harmer and Maharaj. Previously, Harmer was favoured over Maharaj during the Australia series. Captain Temba Bavuma described the decision to omit Maharaj as particularly challenging due to his long-standing role in the team.
Expressing the difficulty of that decision, head coach Shukri Conrad remarked, “I told him I was really sorry that I had to leave him out and as a true pro that he is, he doesn’t go without a fight.” Conrad refrained from hinting at future selections, stating the choices align with the team’s best interests.
Batting line-up strategies will also be under scrutiny. Ryan Rickelton was moved down the order against Australia while Marques Ackerman, untried as an opener, partnered Aiden Markram. De Zorzi’s return may see him open again, challenging the roles within the batting order. Ackerman might find himself at No. 3, especially given Bedingham’s struggles in that position.
De Zorzi now has the chance to solidify his spot against Bangladesh. If successful, it might mean limited opportunities for Hamza, who hasn’t played a Test since early 2024 but has delivered strong performances for South Africa A over the past year. Conrad noted that Hamza’s involvement offers “depth” to the top-order options.
Following their rigorous series against Australia, spanning three Tests to full length, South Africa enjoys a brief respite before the Bangladesh series. They will meet in Johannesburg, with the opening Test commencing on 15 November, followed by the second match on 23 November at SuperSport Park. Impressively, they enter the series as the top-ranked Test side globally.
South Africa’s Test squad for two Tests vs Bangladesh: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton.
