South Africa goes into the test series against the West Indies with some positive changes. Temba Bavuma has taken over as captain in place of Dean Elgar, while Shukri Conrad makes his debut as Proteas Test coach.
Temba Bavuma has taken over as captain in place of Dean Elgar, while Shukri Conrad leads the team in his maiden series as Proteas Test coach.
In addition, there are a few new faces in the team, with hitter Tony de Zorzi getting his first call-up and spinner Gerald Coetzee potentially making his debut in the first Test, which begins in Centurion.
At a media briefing on Monday, Bavuma said, “You’re going to hear me say that a lot, how we want to conduct business.”
“We are entering an exciting time for all the guys involved. It marks the beginning of a new chapter. We want to start playing how we really want to.”
The West Indies, who have never won a series in South Africa and have just once beaten the hosts, are expected to pose a serious challenge to the Proteas.
“Looking at West Indies over the last while, they play old-fashioned cricket,” Bavuma observed. Batters grind it out, and bowlers seek out their spots outside of the off stump.
South Africa and the West Indies are currently battling it out in the first Test at Centurion.