Proteas Rejoin the Road to 2027 at Home

South Africa begin a three-match ODI series against Australia in Durban on 24 September, with Temba Bavuma back in the 50-over side after his last appearance in December 2025. The series opens an important block of one-day cricket that will help shape 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 far more settled look than the one used for South Africa’s previous ODI assignment against Namibia. Bavuma returns alongside several senior names, including Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller, Corbin Bosch and Quinton de Kock.

Bavuma’s Return Brings Fresh Energy

The captain said the long gap from the format has been difficult to ignore, even while he has followed the team’s recent ODI results closely. He also made it clear that getting back on the field with the group matters just as much as the standings.

“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.

He added that the personal break has felt unusually long, making the return especially welcome.

“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,” he said.

Nine ODIs to Shape the World Cup Core

Over the next four months, South Africa are set to play up to nine ODIs against Australia, Bangladesh and England. Bavuma views that stretch as a major part of the team’s preparation for a home World Cup.

He said the mental side of that build-up is ongoing, not something that can be switched on only when the tournament gets close.

“Mentally getting it around your mind, being in a home World Cup, what all of that means, that is a continuous process that we will follow,” he said.

He also suggested that the spine of the side is already fairly clear, while leaving room for a few changes later in the cycle.

• Established core: Bavuma said the team already has a good sense of which players form the main group and does not expect major changes.
• Late chances: He noted that new players could still come in once the cycle reaches its final phase.
• Closer to final selection: He expects the picture to be sharper after the England series.

Head coach Shukri Conrad gave a similar view when the squad was announced. He said the series is a key step in building towards the tournament and in giving fringe players a chance later in the season against Bangladesh and England.

Opening Partner for De Kock Still Unsettled

One of the biggest selection questions for the series is who will open alongside Quinton de Kock. Bavuma has played both as an opener and at number three, and he confirmed that he will stay in the top three.

Exactly where he bats is still to be decided, though, and that leaves the door open for more than one option.

“Yeah, most probably in the top three. Whoever pairs up with Quinton at the top, that we’ll decide,” he said.

Tony de Zorzi is another candidate, since he has also filled both roles for South Africa. Aiden Markram’s availability adds another wrinkle, because he is only due to play in the second and third ODIs.

Selection Moves: Coetzee Back, Brevis Left Out

Gerald Coetzee has earned a recall to the ODI squad, strengthening the pace options for the home series. At the same time, Kagiso Rabada is unavailable because of injury, although he is still hoping to return in time for the Test matches that follow.

With Rabada missing from the one-dayers, South Africa’s fast-bowling group includes Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Coetzee.

Dewald Brevis was not included, with the selectors instead backing Matthew Breetzke, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs in the middle order. The spin duties fall to Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.

The Test Series Looms Just Ahead

Even with the ODI series taking priority, the players know the three-Test contest that follows is difficult to ignore. It will be part of the ICC World Test Championship and will also be the first meeting between the teams since South Africa’s win in the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s.

Bavuma admitted that talk of the Test matches keeps creeping into conversation.

“It’s very hard not to find yourself speaking about the Test series, even though you’re within the ODI space,” he said.

He described the contest as one that carries real anticipation, especially if both teams are close to full strength.

“It’s one that is highly anticipated. Both teams, fully fit, having their best players will allow for a proper game of cricket,” he said.

For now, though, he said the challenge is to keep those thoughts in check until the time comes.

Record, Squads and Match Dates

South Africa and Australia have met in 113 ODIs. The Proteas lead the rivalry 57-52, with three tied matches and one no-result, and they also hold a 28-22 advantage at home.

The squads for the tour are as follows:

• 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

The tour schedule begins in Durban and then moves through the rest of the country:

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

Durban will host both the opening ODI and the first Test, making it the launch point for both parts of the tour. By the time the England series ends later in the season, South Africa should have a much clearer idea of the group they will carry into their home World Cup campaign.