Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma named captains of South Africa ‘A’ teams for India tour

The South Africa ‘A’ team will tour India in August and September for a series of three unofficial four-day Tests followed by three T20Is while the selectors will keep a keen eye on top performing players to include them in the senior squad.

The senior team is slated to play a similarly structured series with the T20I series scheduled to start from September 15, followed by the test series beginning from October 2.

“This is one of the most important South Africa A tours we have planned for some time,” CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said, reported Cricbuzz.

Aiden Markram has been made the captain of the four-day matches while Temba Bavuma will lead the side in the game’s shortest format. After a disappointing World Cup that has seen the country suffer early elimination, the Proteas will be looking to make a few changes and take a rejuvenated squad to face a formidable India side. 

"One of these is to broaden our leadership group and we see both Aiden and Temba playing an important role in this regard. We will be looking at other candidates during the course of the new season. Another is the opportunity to give some of our senior batsmen the chance to acclimatize for the Proteas Test match tour to India in October; and a third is to give opportunity to younger players who have earned their chance through outstanding performance at domestic level,” Zondi added.

Anrich Nortje, who was included in the World Cup squad before an injury saw him being replaced by Chris Morris, has also been named a part of the team. Other notable names include Heinrich Klassen and Dale Steyn’s replacement for the World Cup - Beuran Hendricks.