South Africa have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with Temba Bavuma set to lead the side. The Proteas will enter the series after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Australia and will look to carry that momentum into their next assignment of the summer.

Tony de Zorzi has returned to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Australia series. Meanwhile, Zubayr Hamza has earned his maiden call-up after impressing for the DP World Lions. Anrich Nortje has also returned to the setup following his recovery from a groin injury.

Tony de Zorzi returns as Zubayr Hamza earns maiden Test call-up

De Zorzi’s return is a boost for South Africa’s batting options ahead of the two-Test series. The left-handed batter missed the recent series against Australia due to a hamstring injury but has recovered in time to be included in the squad. Hamza is another notable inclusion, with the DP World Lions batter receiving his maiden call-up to the Test side. His selection provides the Proteas with additional depth in the top order as they prepare for the Bangladesh challenge.

Nortje has also returned after being sidelined for two weeks with a groin injury. He will be part of a pace attack that includes Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder. Lungi Ngidi, however, has not been considered as he continues his rehabilitation.

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Shukri Conrad highlights importance of carrying Australia series momentum

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said the team would look to build on its recent success against Australia while preparing for the challenge posed by Bangladesh. The head coach also pointed towards the conditions expected at the two venues, noting that Highveld pitches traditionally offer pace and bounce. He added that the Wanderers has provided some assistance to spin in recent times, but South Africa would place greater emphasis on its seam-bowling options.

“Coming off a hard fought series against Australia, our focus will be on carrying that momentum into the Bangladesh series, which is our next big assignment of the summer,” Conrad said.

Conrad also acknowledged Bangladesh’s threat in those conditions, particularly their fast bowlers. He said De Zorzi’s return was welcome and that Hamza’s inclusion would provide further depth to the batting lineup.

South Africa’s Test squad for 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 and Ryan Rickelton.

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