Proteas Set Clearer World Cup Path With Bavuma Back

South Africa’s home ODI build-up begins in Durban on September 24, and Temba Bavuma is back to lead the side for the first time in more than nine months. The three-match series against Australia is the first major step in shaping the Proteas’ plans for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which they will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Senior players return for the Australia challenge

The squad has a far more familiar look than the group used in South Africa’s previous ODI assignment against Namibia. Bavuma returns alongside Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller, Corbin Bosch and Quinton de Kock, giving the selectors plenty of experience to work with.

Gerald Coetzee is also back in the 50-over setup, while Kagiso Rabada misses the series through injury. Rabada is still hoping to be ready for the Test matches that follow.

• Back in the squad: Bavuma, Markram, Jansen, Ngidi, Miller, Bosch and de Kock.
• Recalled pace option: Gerald Coetzee.
• Unavailable: Kagiso Rabada, due to injury.
• Not included: Dewald Brevis.

Bavuma wants the ODI form to hold

Bavuma said the gap since his last ODI appearance has felt unusually long, but he is eager to get back into the format. He also made it clear that South Africa want to protect the strong results they have produced in one-day cricket recently.

“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.

“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 have up to nine ODIs ahead of them over the next four months, with Australia, Bangladesh and England all on the calendar. Bavuma sees that run as a crucial stretch in the team’s World Cup planning.

Openers, selectors and the shape of the squad

One of the biggest selection questions is who will open with de Kock. Bavuma said he expects to bat in the top three, but South Africa have not yet settled the exact order.

Tony de Zorzi is another option at the top of the batting line-up, while Markram’s availability only begins with the second ODI in Johannesburg. That gives the management a little more time to settle the best combination.

Head coach Shukri Conrad has taken the same view, saying this series is an important stage in defining the group for the 2027 tournament while also giving fringe players a chance later in the season against Bangladesh and England.

• Top-order race: de Kock needs a partner at the top.
• Bavuma’s role: likely to remain in the top three.
• Markram’s timing: available only for the second and third ODIs.
• Longer view: the squad should become clearer after the England series.

Test cricket is already looming

Even with the ODI series first on the agenda, the Test matches are impossible to ignore. The three-match Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship and will be the first time South Africa and Australia meet in the longest format since the 2025 final at Lord’s, which South Africa won.

Bavuma admitted the upcoming Test battle is already on the players’ minds, even if the current focus has to stay on the white-ball games. He said the contest should be even stronger if both teams arrive fully fit and with their best players available.

“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, he said the job is to keep those thoughts under control and handle them when the time comes.

What the schedule looks like

The ODI series starts in Durban, with the next two matches in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom. The Test series begins immediately after, also opening in Durban, before moving to Gqeberha and then Johannesburg.

• First ODI: September 24, Durban
• Second ODI: September 27, Johannesburg
• Third ODI: September 30, Potchefstroom
• First Test: October 9 to 13, Durban
• Second Test: October 18 to 22, Gqeberha
• Third Test: October 27 to 31, Johannesburg

The venues give South Africa a familiar home setting throughout the tour, and the two formats will test different parts of the squad. Durban, in particular, will host both the opening ODI and the first Test, making it the centrepiece of the early tour narrative.

Head-to-head edge favours South Africa

South Africa and Australia have met in 113 ODIs, with the Proteas holding a narrow advantage overall. They lead the rivalry 57-52, with three matches tied and one abandoned.

At home, South Africa’s record is stronger again, as they lead 28-22 on their own ground. That adds extra weight to a series that already carries major World Cup significance.

Squads named for the series

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, 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, Adam Zampa.