SA vs AUS ODIs: Temba Bavuma to lead South Africa in series against Australia

South Africa will lock horns against Australia in a three-match ODI series. The first match is scheduled to be played on September 24 at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.

Ahead of the series, South Africa has announced a near full-strength squad, with regular skipper Temba Bavuma set to take the leadership duties.

The squad consists of the likes of David Miller and Quinton de Kock, indicating that both players remain part of South Africa's plans for the ODI World Cup 2027.

Miller and de Kock don't hold central contracts, but did represent South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. They also made their appearances in franchise cricket around the world.

The Proteas will miss the services of their lead pacer Kagiso Rabada for the ODI series against Australia. Currently, the pacer is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Gerald Coetzee has been recalled to the ODI setup.

Coetzee is set to play his first ODI for South Africa since the 2023 World Cup. The pacer has struggled with a series of injuries over the last three years but recently returned to action, playing for South Africa A against the England Lions in June and Bangladesh A.

South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, heaped praise on Coetzee by saying that he has been bowling nicely and quickly. He also said that the ODI series against Australia will play an important role in shaping the squad for the ODI World Cup 2027.

"It's great to see Gerald back in the fold and, by all accounts, he's been bowling nice and quickly. 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," he said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

"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," Conrad added.

The second ODI match between the teams will be played on September 27 at the DP World Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg, followed by the third game on September 30 at the Senwes SPORT PARK in Potchefstroom.

SA vs AUS ODIs: South Africa's squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), 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.

(With ANI Inputs)