S Africa could field first black African batsman

Port Elizabeth, Dec 25 (AP): Temba Bavuma is set to become the first black African batsman to play for South Africa when the second cricket test against the West Indies gets underway at St. George's Park on Boxing Day.

With Quinton de Kock ruled out of the remainder of the three-match series with an ankle ligament injury, Bavuma will take his place in the Proteas lineup if the selectors continue their policy of fielding seven batsmen.

The 24-year-old's potential debut is a big deal for South Africa, which has fielded only five black African players since readmission in 1991, and has not had any since fast bowler Makhaya Ntini's last test at the end of 2009.

Despite the fact that almost 80 percent of South Africa's population is black, Ntini is the only cricketer to have held down a regular place in the national side, taking 390 wickets in 101 tests.

Fast bowlers Monde Zondeki, Mfuneko Ngam and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, and wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, all managed a combined 17 tests.