Proteas Prep: Bavuma’s Fitness Test Sets Stage for Eden Gardens Showdown

Skipper Temba Bavuma made his comeback from injury by participating in a fitness drill overseen by the team’s trainer, physio, and head coach Shukri Conrad. This occurred on Wednesday morning at the Eden Gardens, as South Africa prepared for the opening Test against India set to begin on Friday.

The fitness routine involved short sprints between three marker cones and lasted approximately 20 minutes. While Bavuma’s teammates engaged in a rigorous nets session, he completed his running exercises and shadow practice before joining the nets.

Bavuma had missed the start of South Africa’s World Test Championship title defense against Pakistan due to a calf strain incurred in England in September. He returned to the field last week during the second unofficial Test against India ‘A’ in Bengaluru.

In that match, he scored a composed 59 off 101 balls in the second innings after getting out on the first ball in the first innings, contributing to South Africa ‘A’’s five-wicket victory. Bavuma is expected to replace Dewald Brevis, who only managed 46 runs across two Tests in Pakistan.

Tony de Zorzi, South Africa’s leading run-scorer in that series with a century and a half-century, could be replaced at the No. 4 position by Bavuma, despite being a strong player of spin.

Coach Shukri Conrad praised Bavuma as a vital player, highlighting the team’s boosted morale from drawing a series in Pakistan without him. “Temba is crucial for us; he’s our best player. Winning a Test match in Pakistan without him was a huge confidence boost,” Conrad stated.

Conrad further commended Bavuma’s qualities, saying, “His calmness, leadership, and quiet demeanor bring confidence to the team. We’re thrilled with his performance in the ‘A’ game after initially getting out on the first ball.”

Senior opener Aiden Markram, who struggled in Pakistan, also had an intense nets session. Tristan Stubbs spent a long time batting and bowling part-time off-spin, offering a possible additional spin option to the existing specialists—Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy—crucial in South Africa’s draw in Pakistan.

Pace leader Kagiso Rabada had a light session focused on shadow runs and rhythm drills, while all-rounder Corbin Bosch worked extensively in the nets. There’s a decision to be made on whether to go with Marco Jansen or opt for Bosch to partner Rabada with the new ball.

Historically, the Eden Gardens pitch aids pacers initially before favoring spinners from the third day onwards. With cool conditions, Rabada and the seamers are expected to excel with the new ball.

“It’s a typical Kolkata wicket, offering something for the fast bowlers in the early mornings. We’ve noticed the ball swinging during afternoon practices, possibly due to overhead conditions. The pitch will definitely assist spinners; the question is how soon,” Conrad noted.

In the previous edition of the Freedom Trophy held in South Africa in 2023-24, the series ended in a 1-1 draw. Before that, South Africa clinched a 2-1 victory. Their last Test series in India resulted in a 0-3 loss.

Published on November 12, 2025.