JOHANNESBURG, South Africa | September 7, 2026 —
The South Africa ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia includes David Miller and Quinton de Kock, with Temba Bavuma returning as captain. Selectors announced the 16-player group on Monday ahead of the September 24 opener in Durban.
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee also returns to the ODI setup for the first time since the 2023 World Cup. However, Kagiso Rabada will miss the series as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
The selection gives head coach Shukri Conrad another opportunity to assess combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. South Africa will also face Bangladesh and England during the home season as competition for places continues.
Miller and de Kock remain part of World Cup preparations
Miller and de Kock bring experience to a batting group that combines established internationals with players competing for long-term roles.
Neither batter currently holds a central contract, but both represented South Africa at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Their inclusion against Australia keeps them involved in the country’s preparations for the next 50-over World Cup.
De Kock provides an option at the top of the order, while Miller joins Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs among the middle-order choices. Bavuma’s return restores the regular captain to the squad.
Coetzee returns as Rabada continues rehabilitation
Coetzee last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup in India. Injuries have interrupted his progress since then, but the Australia series offers him a route back into South Africa’s 50-over plans.
Conrad welcomed his return and said reports indicated that the fast bowler had been bowling with pace.
Coetzee joins a seam group that includes Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi, along with all-rounders Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch. Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin provide the specialist spin options.
Meanwhile, South Africa will continue monitoring Rabada’s rehabilitation before deciding on his availability for the Test series. His absence from the ODI squad does not establish whether he will recover in time for the longer format.
Selectors did not consider Anrich Nortje for the Australia ODIs.
Markram available for two matches; Brevis turns to first-class cricket
Aiden Markram will be available only for the second and third ODIs, leaving him out of contention for the opening match in Durban.
Alongside Markram, de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi give the management several top-order options. Conrad said the coaching staff wants to give players a fair opportunity as it evaluates the batting combinations.
Dewald Brevis does not feature in the squad. Instead, he will play first-class cricket as part of his preparation for the Test season.
Conrad explained that Brevis faces competition from Breetzke, Stubbs and Miller for a middle-order place. However, he said Brevis would receive an ODI opportunity during the Bangladesh series.
Conrad targets a middle order that can attack and rebuild
South Africa has six ODIs against Australia and Bangladesh before facing England. Conrad expects the England selection to provide a clearer outline of the group being considered for the World Cup.
For now, his focus includes identifying the right balance between attacking intent and the ability to manage difficult periods.
He wants middle-order batters who can accelerate when conditions allow, absorb pressure after wickets fall and carry an innings into its later stages. Those requirements will shape how the coaching staff assesses performances across the home season.
Conrad said the management already has a clear view of the combinations it wants and the responsibilities players need to fulfill. The upcoming matches will help it evaluate those roles in competition.
South Africa vs Australia ODI schedule
The series begins at Kingsmead in Durban, moves to Johannesburg for the annual Pink Day fixture and concludes in Potchefstroom.
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time — IST |
|---|---|---|---|
| First ODI | September 24, 2026 | Kingsmead, Durban | 1:30 PM |
| Second ODI | September 27, 2026 | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | 1:30 PM |
| Third ODI | September 30, 2026 | NWC Oval, Potchefstroom | 5:00 PM |
The September 27 match will support the Pink Day initiative, which raises awareness and support for the fight against breast cancer.
Full South Africa ODI squad for Australia series
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 and Tristan Stubbs.
