Proteas recall Zubayr Hamza to squad for Newlands Test

Zubayr Hamza cricketZubayr Hamza.

Batsman Zubayr Hamza has been added to South Africa’s squad for next week’s second Test against India at Newlands in Cape Town.

Hamza has joined the squad after captain Temba Bavuma was sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Batsman Dean Elgar will captain the XI in the absence of Bavuma.

“Temba is definitely out for Cape Town. Zubayr Hamza will join the squad,” said Test coach Shukri Conrad.

“Bavuma was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, not a tear, and will have the injury assessed in two weeks’ time to determine his availability for his next assignment, with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the SA20.

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“He will not play in South Africa’s two-Test series against New Zealand early next year because of his SA20 commitments.”

Hamza has not played international cricket since February 2022. He returned to professional cricket late last year after serving a nine-month suspension for breaching the International Cricket Council’s anti-doping rules.

Hamza has struck first-class centuries for the Lions and South Africa A this month.

The Proteas won the first Test by an innings and 32 runs inside three days at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The series decider will start on 3 January 2024.

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