New Delhi, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : South Africa has revealed its 16-member squad for the one-day international series against Australia, set to begin on September 24. Regular captain Temba Bavuma returns to lead the team, which also includes seasoned batsmen David Miller and Quinton de Kock.
These players are considered crucial for South Africa’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Although both Miller and de Kock currently lack central contracts, they participated in the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Gerald Coetzee is back in the squad after last playing in the ODI format during the 2023 World Cup. He replaces Kagiso Rabada, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury as he works towards being fit for upcoming Test matches.
Coetzee has faced injury challenges in recent years, but his inclusion is expected to strengthen the Proteas. The team is closely monitoring Rabada’s recovery, while Anrich Nortje has not been considered for this series.
Notably absent from the squad is explosive batsman Dewald Brevis, who will focus on preparing for the Test series and playing first-class cricket. Aiden Markram will be available for the second and third ODI matches.
South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, stated in a press conference on Monday that players not included in the ODI squad will participate in the first round of first-class cricket, while those left out of the squad will play in the second round. Brevis is competing for a middle-order spot against Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller, and he will have the opportunity to play ODIs in the series against Bangladesh.
Conrad emphasized the importance of the upcoming six ODIs before facing England, highlighting that the team for the England matches will serve as a sort of “shadow squad” for the World Cup. He noted the competition for places in the top order, mentioning players like Aiden, Ricks, Quini, and Tony.
With less than a year remaining until the World Cup, this series is a critical step in preparing the team. It also provides opportunities for players vying for a spot as South Africa gears up to face Bangladesh and England this season. The team is focused on finding the right combinations and defining player roles. From a batting perspective, they aim to establish a middle order that can play aggressively while also handling pressure and advancing the innings—an essential balance for their strategy.
South Africa’s ODI squad includes: Temba Bavuma (captain), Otniel Bartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Quena Mofaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs.
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