South Africa tour of Pakistan | Markram to lead in Tests after Bavuma ruled out with calf injury

‌South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma is set to miss the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan with a calf strain. In his absence, Aiden Markram was named captain of the 16-member side, with the first match scheduled to start at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 12.

Bavuma returned from an elbow injury to lead the Proteas to their maiden World Test Championship title at Lord’s in June. During the summit clash, he pulled his hamstring, which in turn caused him to miss the Zimbabwe tour.

"Temba's calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November," head coach Shukri Conrad said. "Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. He has been such an important leader and batter for us on the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed.

"Very concerned about Temba," Conrad said. "Every series has been an injury, and it is not for want of him trying. He is doing everything in his power to make sure he remains injury-free. His form is definitely good enough, and he is definitely worth managing. Age is not on his side, so it is a concern, but I am confident in the medical staff and Temba's desire to get him fit."

The Proteas will also play three T20Is and three ODIs, after their two-match Test series, from October 28. Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who had announced his retirement from ODIs, reversed his decision to find a place in both white-ball squads.

The team has decided to rest their prominent faces for the white-ball leg, with Matthew Breetzke and David Miller set to lead the ODI and T20I sides, respectively. Meanwhile, Dewald Brevis has been retained in the Test squad after making his debut during the two-Test series against Zimbabwe earlier this year.

South Africa squad for Pakistan Tests

Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne

South Africa's squad for Pakistan T20Is

David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams

South Africa's squad for Pakistan ODIs

Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile