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Bavuma confirms that Proteas will go with four-pronged pace attack against Pakistan in Centurion Test

Bavuma confirms that Proteas will go with four-pronged pace attack against Pakistan in Centurion Test
Fast bowler Corbin Bosch will make his Test debut against Pakistan at Supersport Park. (Photo: Waldo Swiegers/Gallo Images)
Keanan Hemmonsbey
By Keanan Hemmonsbey
24 Dec 2024
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‘We back our seamers,’ says Bavuma as Corbin Bosch is set to make his Test debut when the Proteas face off against Pakistan in the first of two Test matches.

South Africa have elected to go with a four-prong fast bowling attack for the first of two Test matches against Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion, starting on 26 December.

Titans quick Corbin Bosch is in line to make his Test debut, forming a diverse fast bowling foursome of Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Marco Jansen.

“Corbin adds that extra element to our bowling attack, he comes with extra pace.”

There is no space in the team for spinner Keshav Maharaj and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who have recovered from their respective injuries, but will not play in the opening Test because of a lack of match fitness, according to skipper Temba Bavuma.

Read more: Proteas edge towards World Test Championship final with convincing victory over Sri Lanka

It’s a familiar pattern for South Africa to go for, having made the same decision at last year’s Boxing Day Test match at SuperSport Park against India, which they won by an innings and 32 runs. Maharaj sat out then too, despite being fully fit.

“Looking at that, it’s no different from what we’ve generally gone with,” Bavuma said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“We back our seamers here in Centurion, nothing will change from that.”

Fast bowler Corbin Bosch Fast bowler Corbin Bosch will make his Test debut against Pakistan at Supersport Park. (Photo: Waldo Swiegers/Gallo Images)


Bosch debut


Bosch’s first-class numbers are nothing to write home about with a bowling average of 36.75 and a strike rate of 67.9. He also only has one career five-wicket haul across 34 matches. But a theme of Shukri Conrad’s tenure as red-ball national team coach is making inspired selections that are unpopular but pay off.

The 30-year-old adds raw pace to an already skillful bowling attack. Jansen provides the left-arm option while releasing the ball from a scary height, Paterson provides control while nibbling the ball about. And Rabada, arguably the best fast-bowler in red-ball cricket currently, is the whole package.

Bosch’s aggressive speed and street-smarts – playing at his home venue at SuperSport Park – adds to the bowling package.

“Things worked out quite nicely for Corbin,” Bavuma said.

“It’s one thing to make your debut, but then to make it where you’ve made a name for yourself in the provincial setup is another thing.

“Corbin adds that extra element to our bowling attack, he comes with extra pace.

“He’s a big strong guy as well so he can hit the deck hard. He obviously offers a role with the bat as well.

“We’re excited to see what he can do with the red-ball and strengthen our bowling lineup.”

Bosch made his international debut in South Africa’s third One-Day International (ODI) at the Wanderers on Sunday where he picked up the wicket of Saim Ayub while conceding 69 runs in nine overs. He also struck an undefeated 40 off 44 deliveries with the bat.

Moving on


The Pakistan touring squad head into the Test match with momentum, having come off a 3-0 series ODI series win over the hosts.

South Africa’s batters, who have been in inspired form in Test cricket, particularly struggled against the skillful Pakistani bowlers in the white-ball format.

For skipper Bavuma, it’s about putting the ODI series behind them and focusing on the good the group have achieved in the last while, which includes winning the last eight Test matches they’ve played.

 “Conversations have been had amongst the group,” Bavuma said.

“Whatever trauma that is there, guys will have to deal with it. We’re coming into the Test space [where] the energy is a bit different, we know what’s at stake.

“There’s confidence and belief as well in the good cricket that we’ve played over the last while. Nothing has happened by accident.

“The results have come because of our processes and we will stick to that irrespective of what has happened.”

South Africa need to win one of the two matches against Pakistan to secure their spot in the World Test Championship final. DM

Proteas team to face Pakistan:


Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson

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