South Africa have named Temba Bavuma as captain for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with fast bowler Gerald Coetzee returning to the 50-over squad for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Strong squad named
Cricket South Africa selected a 16-man squad for the series, which will take place from September 24 to 30. The three matches will be played in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.
Bavuma returns to the ODI side after being rested for South Africa’s current white-ball tour of Namibia. He last played an ODI in December 2025 against India.
The squad also includes experienced players such as Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj.
Coetzee makes ODI comeback
The return of Gerald Coetzee is one of the major talking points. The 25-year-old fast bowler has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup in India.
He joins a pace attack that includes Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi, with all-rounders Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen also providing seam-bowling options.
Preparation for 2027 World Cup
The Australia series is particularly important because South Africa are preparing for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Coach Shukri Conrad said the series will help the team assess players and shape the squad ahead of the tournament, which is now just over a year away.
Three-match series
The schedule is:
- September 24: First ODI — Durban
- September 27: Second ODI — Johannesburg
- September 30: Third ODI — Potchefstroom
A three-Test series between the two countries will follow in October.
