Why have South Africa handed Corbin Bosch a Test debut? Skipper Bavuma explains

South Africa are one win away from sealing a place in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), and the Proteas will have the opportunity to do so in the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, against Pakistan starting from December 26 (Thursday).

On December 24 (Tuesday), the hosts announced the Playing XI for the first Test and opted to hand a debut to 30-year-old Corbin Bosch as they finalised an all-pace bowling attack in the absence of the injured Keshav Maharaj.

Bosch, a seam-bowling all-rounder, made his international debut in the third ODI in Johannesburg, but his elevation to the Test side has left many surprised. 

Speaking ahead of the first Test, skipper Temba Bavuma explained the reasoning behind Bosch’s selection.

"He will be playing at the venue where he has made a name for himself in the provincial set-up," said Bavuma.

"He adds that element of extra pace. He's a big, strong guy who hits the deck hard and he offers a role with the bat as well."

Bosch plays for the Titans in domestic cricket, and he has quite an impressive CV, averaging 40 with the bat while having taken 72 first-class wickets at an average of 36.75. 

Notably, the right-hander averages 59.33 with the bat in first-class games at Centurion.

In the third ODI against Pakistan, Bosch struck an unbeaten 40 batting at No.8, albeit in a losing cause. He was expensive with the ball (1/69 off 9 overs) but picked the big wicket of centurion Saim Ayub.