Temba Bavuma will lead the Proteas in their upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia as South Africa prepares for a crucial home summer and next year’s Cricket World Cup.
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Cricket South Africa has named a 16-player squad for the series, which will take place from 24 to 30 September 2026. Temba returns to the ODI setup after missing the recent series against Namibia and will captain the side against the Australians.
The series will be South Africa’s first home ODI assignment against Australia since 2023, when the Proteas fought back from 2-0 down to win a five-match series 3-2.
Gerald Coetzee returns
One of the notable inclusions is fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, who has been recalled to the ODI squad for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.
According to Cricket South Africa, Gerald joins a pace attack that includes Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen.
However, the Proteas will be without experienced fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who is sidelined with an injury. Kagiso is hoping to recover in time for the three-Test series against Australia that follows the ODIs.
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Quinton de Kock and David Miller return
The squad also features experienced campaigners Quinton de Kock and David Miller, who return despite not holding Cricket South Africa central contracts.
Aiden Markram has also been included but will miss the opening ODI before becoming available for the second and third matches.
The full Proteas squad is:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, Cricket South Africa listed.
World Cup preparations
With the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the Australia series represents an important opportunity for the Proteas to establish combinations and assess players ahead of the tournament.
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad said the series will help the team determine the combinations and roles required as preparations for the World Cup intensify.
Dewald Brevis was not selected, with Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller preferred for the middle-order positions. Conrad said Brevis remains in the team’s plans and is expected to get an opportunity during the Bangladesh series, reported IOL.
When are the Proteas playing Australia?
The three-match ODI series will begin at Kingsmead in Durban on 24 September, before moving to the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 27 September. The final ODI will be played at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on 30 September 2026.
The ODIs will be followed by a three-Test series beginning in Durban on 9 October 2026, making the Australia tour an important part of South Africa’s 2026/27 home season.
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