Bavuma back to lead strong Proteas squad against Australia

Captain Temba Bavuma has been named in South Africa's one-day international squad for this month's three-game home series against Australia.

Bavuma will lead the Proteas after being rested for their away ODI series against Namibia starting Wednesday.

South Africa ODI squad: 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.

South Africa play Australia in 50-over games on September 24, 27 and 30, before a much-anticipated three-Test series between them next month.

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee was also recalled after last playing an ODI at the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.

Batsmen Quinton de Kock and David Miller meanwhile were included in the 16-player squad despite not holding central contracts, while Aiden Markram will be available for the second and third ODIs.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had already been ruled out of the series after the star paceman suffered a right hamstring injury during training, and is facing a race against time to return for the three-Test series, starting in Durban on October 9.

The Proteas' line-up will also not feature Dewald Brevis, who is focusing on first-class cricket ahead of South Africa's upcoming Tests.

South Africa last faced Australia on home soil in 2023, when the Proteas came from 2-0 down to claim the five-match ODI series 3-2.

"It’s exciting to start our home summer against Australia in what will no doubt be a competitive series," Proteas coach Shukri Conrad said in a statement.

"With the World Cup just over a year away, this series marks an important step in shaping the squad as we build towards the tournament, while also giving those players who are in the frame opportunities when we face Bangladesh and England later in the season. 

"We have a clear idea of the combinations we want and the roles we need players to fulfill.

"From a batting perspective, we’ve looked at making sure we have a middle order that can be explosive but have the ability to absorb pressure and take the innings quite deep. That balance is going to be important for us.

"Unfortunately, Kagiso (Rabada) will miss out on this series due to injury, but his absence creates an opportunity for the other players to step up.

"It’s great to see Gerald back in the fold and, by all accounts, he’s been bowling nice and quickly.

"Ottneil (Baartman) has shown how effective he can be at the death, and this is another opportunity for him to show what he can offer us in the 50-over format."

Qantas tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa 2026

First ODI: September 15, Harare Sports Club, 5:30pm AEST (9:30am local)

Second ODI: September 18, Harare Sports Club, 5:30pm AEST (9:30am local)

Third ODI: September 20, Harare Sports Club, 5:30pm AEST (9:30am local)

First ODI: September 24, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban, 6pm AEST (10am local)

Second ODI: September 27, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, 6pm AEST (10am local)

Third ODI: September 30, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 9:30pm AEST (D/N, 1:30pm local)

Warm-up match: October 3-4, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 6pm AEST (10am local)

First Test: October 9-13, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban, 6:30pm AEDT (9:30am local)

Second Test: October 18-22, St George's Park, Gqeberha, 7pm AEDT (10am local)

Third Test: October 27-31, Newlands, Cape Town, 7pm AEDT (10am local)

All matches from South Africa to be broadcast exclusively in Australia on Kayo and Fox Cricket