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 that stretched back to December 2025. The tour also signals the start of a crucial run of white-ball cricket as the hosts shape their plans for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which they will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Big Names Return as the Squad Shifts
The Proteas have brought several experienced players back into the mix for this series, including Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller, Corbin Bosch and Quinton de Kock. That gives South Africa a much more settled look than the side used for their previous ODI assignment, which was a three-match series against Namibia.
Bavuma said the time away from the format had been unusually long for him, and he was clearly keen to get back into the rhythm of international one-day cricket. He also stressed that the group wants to defend the strong ODI form they have built recently.
“There’s a strong desire to look after our ODI record of late and ensure that we’re putting our best foot forward,” he said.
He added that simply being back on the field with his teammates mattered almost as much as the result. “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.”
World Cup Planning Starts to Take Shape
South Africa are set to play as many as nine ODIs over the next four months, with Australia, Bangladesh and England all part of the schedule. Bavuma sees that stretch as an important part of the team’s preparation for a home World Cup, especially because the tournament will carry extra pressure and expectation.
He explained that the squad is already thinking about the mental side of playing at home in 2027, not just the tactical one. For him, that process begins now and continues throughout the current cycle.
The captain also suggested that the team’s main structure is fairly settled, even if a few places are still open. He indicated that there will be room for new players later in the cycle, but the overall core is unlikely to change much before the World Cup picture becomes clearer after the England series.
Head coach Shukri Conrad struck a similar tone when the squad was announced. He described the Australia series as an important stage in shaping the side for the tournament and said the upcoming Bangladesh and England matches will also offer chances for players still pushing for selection.
Openers, Pace Options and the Missing Pieces
One of the main selection questions is who will open alongside Quinton de Kock. Bavuma has batted both at the top of the order and at number three for South Africa, and he confirmed that he will remain somewhere in the top three, though the exact position is still to be finalised.
Tony de Zorzi is another candidate for a top-order role, which gives the selectors flexibility. Aiden Markram adds another layer of complexity because he is only available for the second and third ODIs, so South Africa will have to adjust their line-up as the series unfolds.
There has also been movement in the fast-bowling group. Gerald Coetzee is back in the ODI squad, while Kagiso Rabada misses the series because of injury. Rabada is still hoping to recover in time for the Test matches that follow.
Without Rabada, South Africa’s pace unit includes Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Coetzee. Dewald Brevis was left out, with Matthew Breetzke, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs preferred as the main middle-order batting options. Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj are the specialist spin choices.
Test Series Looms Just Beyond the ODIs
Although the immediate focus is the ODI leg of the tour, the three-Test series that follows is already impossible to ignore. It will also form part of the ICC World Test Championship and will be the first meeting between South Africa and Australia since the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s, where the Proteas claimed the title.
Bavuma admitted that the anticipation around the Tests is hard to shut out. He said both sides at full strength would make for a proper contest and one that has been eagerly awaited.
He also made it clear that, for now, the team must keep its emotions in check and stay focused on the ODIs. The Test series can wait until the time is right.
Recent History Favours South Africa at Home
These two teams know each other well in the one-day format. They have met in 113 ODIs, with South Africa leading the rivalry 57-52. There have also been three ties and one abandoned match.
On home soil, the Proteas have the edge as well, holding a 28-22 record against Australia. That history adds some confidence heading into a tour that could say a lot about where both teams stand just over a year from the next World Cup.
Schedule and Squad Details
The ODI series opens in Durban on September 24, before moving to Johannesburg on September 27 and Potchefstroom on September 30. The Test matches begin in Durban on October 9-13, continue in Gqeberha on October 18-22 and finish in Johannesburg on October 27-31.
South Africa’s ODI squad is Temba Bavuma, 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’s squad for the tour includes 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.
For South Africa, the immediate aim is to settle combinations, protect momentum and leave the series with a clearer idea of the team that will carry them toward a home World Cup.
