Bavuma out of Pakistan Tests

Aiden Markram will be at the helm as South Africa kick-start defence of their World Test Championship race with a two-match series in Pakistan next month. Regular skipper Temba Bavuma misses out as he continues to recover from a grade two left calf strain that he suffered on the recent tour of England, reports Cricbuzz.
For the limited-overs leg of the tour, South Africa will have the services of Quinton de Kock, who has reversed his ODI retirement. The wicket-keeper had announced his retirement from 50-over cricket after the 2023 World Cup and hasn't featured in a T20I since last year's T20 World Cup final in Barbabos.
The Test squad sees the return of Simon Harmer - his first recall to the national side since March 2023. He is joined by fellow spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayan. Keshav Maharaj, meanwhile, has been picked only for the second Test as he completes his rehabilitation for a left groin strain.
"Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available," South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said. "He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed. At the same time, the majority of the Test squad have experience of playing in the subcontinent and understand the demands that come with it, so I'm confident they will embrace the challenge."
"Quinton's return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us," Conrad continued. "When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team.
Barring Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis, the all-format players selected for the Test series will be rested for the white-ball series - three T20Is and three ODIs.