Temba Bavuma's return shaky thus far as SA A fights to level series against strong India A

South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma batted for the first time in red-ball cricket since Lord's at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on Friday during the South Africa A vs India A second Four-Day match.

The last time the Proteas Test captain turned out in whites was that historic afternoon at Lord’s this past winter, where he led the Proteas to a victory over Australia to win the World Test Championship final.

Since then, the captain has sustained a series of injuries, as he missed the Test series in Zimbabwe due to a hamstring injury, and the recently concluded Test series in Pakistan due to a calf strain that he picked up during an ODI series in England in September.

As part of his return to play plan, Bavuma turned out for South Africa A during the second and final Four-Day fixture against India A in Bengaluru.

Bavuuma joined South Africa A captain Marques Ackerman and Test-capped Prenelan Subrayen as the side looked to level the series 1-1 after losing the first match.

In his first dig in the middle, Bavuma lasted only one delivery, as he was dismissed by India A fast bowler, Akash Deep, who is also a regular India Test fast bowler.

It was a disappointing return for Bavuma as he is set to lead the Proteas in an all-important two-match Test series against India, with the first Test scheduled to get underway from 14-18 November at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

With Bavuma back in the shed early, South Africa A captain Ackerman fought a lone fight, scoring a 134 off 188, including 18 fours and five sixes to help South Africa A score 221 all out and 34 runs shy of India A’s first innings total of 255 all out.

Earlier in the match, left-arm quick Tiaan van Vuuren continued his impressive run in the South Africa A outfit, taking 4/52, including the prized wickets of India opener KL Rahul.

Fast bowler Tshepo Moreki also put in an impressive shift, returning figures of 2/52, including the wicket of Rishabh Pant.

Day Three of the encounter will get underway at 6.00 am SAST with India on 78/3, with a lead of 112 runs. Bavuma will be hoping to occupy the crease longer in the South Africa A second innings and get himself ready for the Test series.