South Africa begin a three-match ODI series against Australia in Durban on September 24, with Temba Bavuma back in the 50-over side after a long absence. The tour doubles as an early test of the Proteas’ plans for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which they will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The squad has a familiar look again, with Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller, Corbin Bosch and Quinton de Kock all returning. That is a clear shift from the group used in South Africa’s previous ODI assignment against Namibia.
Bavuma Eyes Rhythm After a Long Layoff
Bavuma said the return meant a great deal to him personally, while also stressing that the team wants to keep its recent one-day form moving in the right direction. The captain has not played an ODI since December 2025.
He said the break felt unusually long, and simply getting back on the field with his teammates is something he has missed. For him, the immediate goal is to settle back into the format and help South Africa maintain momentum.
“There’s a strong desire to look after our ODI record of late and ensure that we’re putting our best foot forward,” Bavuma said.
“I think, for me personally, it’s been a super long break. So, just to be out there again, running around, chasing after the balls with the guys, that’s something that I look forward to.”
Nine One-Day Matches Will Shape the World Cup Core
South Africa could play as many as nine ODIs over the next four months, against Australia, Bangladesh and England. Bavuma views that stretch as a major part of the build-up to a home World Cup.
He said the group must keep the bigger picture in mind, because playing a World Cup at home brings a different kind of pressure and expectation. The aim is to work through that process steadily rather than rush the decisions.
- Core players: Bavuma believes the main group is already largely known and will not change dramatically.
- New opportunities: He expects fresh faces to appear later in the cycle, especially by the end of the England series.
- Key checkpoint: By that stage, South Africa should have a much clearer sense of their World Cup squad.
Head coach Shukri Conrad gave a similar message when the squad was announced, saying the Australia series is an important step in shaping the team for the tournament ahead. He also pointed to the Bangladesh and England fixtures as chances for players still fighting for places.
Opening Combination Still Needs a Final Answer
One of the biggest selection questions is who will join Quinton de Kock at the top of the order. Bavuma has opened and batted at number three for South Africa, and he confirmed he will stay inside the top three.
The only uncertainty is whether he begins the innings or comes in one slot lower. Tony de Zorzi is another option, while Markram’s partial availability makes the puzzle even trickier because he is only available for the second and third ODIs.
That means the first match in Durban could be the most revealing when it comes to South Africa’s preferred opening pair. The selectors have some flexibility, but they also need a combination that can settle quickly.
Coetzee Returns as Rabada and Brevis Miss Out
Gerald Coetzee has been recalled to the ODI squad, giving South Africa another quick bowling option. Kagiso Rabada is sidelined by injury, although there is hope he may still recover in time for the Test series that follows.
Without Rabada, the pace unit includes Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Coetzee. That group gives the Proteas a mix of experience, pace and variety.
Dewald Brevis was left out, with the selectors instead backing Matthew Breetzke, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs in the middle order. Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj are the specialist spin choices.
- Fast-bowling group: Baartman, Maphaka, Ngidi, Bosch, Jansen and Coetzee.
- Middle-order batting: Breetzke, Miller and Stubbs.
- Spin options: Fortuin and Maharaj.
Tests Loom Quickly After the ODIs
Although the focus is on the three ODIs for now, the Test series that follows is already impossible to ignore. It will be the first time South Africa and Australia meet in Tests since the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, which South Africa won.
Bavuma said the upcoming red-ball contest is highly anticipated and should be a proper contest if both sides are fully fit. He admitted it is difficult not to think about that series while preparing for the white-ball matches.
“It’s very hard not to find yourself speaking about the Test series, even though you’re within the ODI space,” Bavuma said.
“It’s one that is highly anticipated. Both teams, fully fit, having their best players will allow for a proper game of cricket.”
For now, though, he wants the squad to keep those thoughts in the background and deal with them later. The priority is to get through the ODIs with control and clarity.
What the Fixture List Looks Like
Durban hosts the opening ODI and the first Test, making it the launch point for both parts of the tour. South Africa then move through the rest of the white-ball series before turning fully to the longest format.
- First ODI: September 24 in Durban
- Second ODI: September 27 in Johannesburg
- Third ODI: September 30 in Potchefstroom
- First Test: October 9-13 in Durban
- Second Test: October 18-22 in Gqeberha
- Third Test: October 27-31 in Johannesburg
The next few weeks should answer several important questions, from the opening partner for de Kock to Rabada’s fitness for the Tests. By the end of the England series later in the season, South Africa should be much closer to knowing the group that will carry them into a home World Cup.