NEW DELHI: South Africa on Tuesday announced that Corbin Bosch will make his Test debut against Pakistan in the Boxing Day match, as confirmed by captain Temba Bavuma.
Bosch will join an all-pace bowling attack at his home ground in Centurion, earning his Test cap shortly after his ODI debut on Sunday, where he scored an unbeaten 40 and claimed one wicket in South Africa’s defeat to Pakistan at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
The 30-year-old joins fellow pacers Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson in the home side’s attack. His selection comes amidst an extensive injury list including Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Lizaad Williams.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Bavuma highlighted the significance of Bosch’s debut at his provincial home ground. He praised Bosch’s additional attributes, noting his pace and physical strength, along with his batting capabilities demonstrated in the recent ODI.
The decision to field an all-seam attack means Keshav Maharaj will not feature. Bavuma explained this aligns with their usual strategy at Centurion, where they traditionally favour pace bowlers.
South Africa, currently leading the World Test Championship standings after five consecutive victories, are pursuing a win to secure their place in next June’s championship.
Bavuma acknowledged the increased expectations but emphasised their aim for a 2-0 series victory, focusing on executing fundamentals correctly.
South Africa team: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson.
