South Africa have set the tone for a demanding home stretch by naming a strengthened ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia, starting in Durban on September 24. Temba Bavuma is back in the 50-over side after a long absence, and the series is the first major step in shaping the group for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
The squad has a more familiar look again, with Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller, Corbin Bosch and Quinton de Kock all included alongside Bavuma. That gives South Africa a far different balance from the group that handled their previous ODI assignment against Namibia.
Bavuma said the break from one-day cricket had felt unusually long, but he is eager to get back on the field and help protect the team’s recent record in the format. He also stressed that the squad wants to keep building momentum with an eye on the bigger picture.
“There’s a strong desire to look after our ODI record of late and ensure that we’re putting our best foot forward.”
“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.”
South Africa could play as many as nine ODIs over the next four months, with Australia, Bangladesh and England all part of the schedule. Bavuma views that run as a key part of the team’s preparation for a home World Cup, where the pressure and expectations will be very different.
He believes the core of the side is already fairly clear, even if a few places are still open. The final picture should become much sharper after the England series.
Head coach Shukri Conrad has made the same point, calling this series an important stage in building towards the tournament while also creating opportunities later in the season against Bangladesh and England.
One of the biggest talking points is the opening combination. Bavuma has previously opened and also batted at number three, and he confirmed he will stay inside the top three, though the exact batting order has not yet been locked in.
Tony de Zorzi remains another option near the top, while Markram’s availability is limited to the second and third ODIs. That leaves the selectors with a few different ways to shape the innings around de Kock.
There is also a notable change in the pace attack. Gerald Coetzee is back in the ODI setup, while Kagiso Rabada misses the series because of injury, even though he is still hoping to be ready for the Tests that follow.
Dewald Brevis was not selected this time, despite the added attention around South Africa’s younger batting talent.
The ODIs are the immediate priority, but the three-Test series that follows is already hovering in the background. It is part of the ICC World Test Championship and will be the first time the teams meet in Tests since South Africa’s victory in the 2025 final at Lord’s.
Bavuma admitted it is difficult to ignore what comes next, even while the squad is focused on the white-ball series. He expects the Tests to draw plenty of interest if both sides are near full strength.
“It’s very hard not to find yourself speaking about the Test series, even though you’re within the ODI space.”
“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, the message inside the camp is simple: keep the attention on the ODI job first, then deal with the Test series when it arrives.
The tour begins in Durban and continues through Johannesburg and Potchefstroom before switching to red-ball cricket. Durban will host both the opening ODI and the first Test, making it the tour’s focal point early on.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), 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.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa.
The series gives South Africa a practical chance to settle combinations, sharpen roles and move closer to the squad they will trust at a home World Cup. With Australia first, then more limited-overs cricket against Bangladesh and England, the Proteas now enter a decisive phase of planning.
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