South Africa’s home campaign against Australia opens in Durban on 24 September, and the return of Temba Bavuma gives the ODI side a familiar leader again. The three-match series is the first major step in a stretch of one-day cricket that will help define the squad for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Senior names return as the ODI group takes shape

The Proteas have brought several established players back into the mix for this series. Alongside Bavuma, the squad includes Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller, Corbin Bosch and Quinton de Kock, making it look very different from the side that last played a 50-over assignment against Namibia.

Bavuma said the break from ODI cricket had felt unusually long, and he sounded eager to get back into the rhythm of the format. He also stressed that South Africa want to protect the strong recent run they have built in one-day cricket.

"There's a strong desire to look after our ODI record of late and ensure that we're putting our best foot forward," Bavuma said.

"I think, 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."

Nine ODIs should reveal the World Cup core

Over the next four months, South Africa could play as many as nine ODIs against Australia, Bangladesh and England. Bavuma views that run as a clear preparation block for a home World Cup, especially because the team must balance immediate results with long-term planning.

He explained that the mental side of preparing for a home tournament is just as important as the cricket itself. In his view, the Proteas already have a fairly clear idea of the central group they want to build around.

• Established backbone: Bavuma believes the main core of the side is already known and is unlikely to change dramatically.
• New players later on: He expects opportunities for fresh faces once the current cycle closes with England.
• Closer to certainty after England: By the end of that series, the squad should look much nearer to the World Cup group.

Head coach Shukri Conrad said much the same when the squad was announced. He described the Australia series as an important stage in shaping the team, while also giving fringe players a chance to push their case later in the season against Bangladesh and England.

Opening-order questions and bowling changes

One of the biggest selection calls concerns who will open with Quinton de Kock. Bavuma can bat either at the top or at number three, and he confirmed that he will stay inside the top three, even if the exact slot is still undecided.

Tony de Zorzi adds another option because he has also been used in both roles for South Africa. Markram’s availability makes the picture even more complicated, since he is only available for the second and third ODIs.

There are also a few significant changes in the bowling unit. Gerald Coetzee has been recalled to the 50-over side, while Kagiso Rabada is out injured and is hoping to be ready for the Tests that follow.

Without Rabada, South Africa’s pace options include Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. In the batting department, Dewald Brevis has missed out, with Matthew Breetzke, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs chosen for the middle order. The spin attack is handled by Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.

The Test series is already looming in the background

Even with the ODI series first on the calendar, the three Tests that follow are hard to ignore. Those matches 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 South Africa lifted the title.

Bavuma admitted that it is difficult not to think ahead to that next challenge, especially with both teams expected to be close to full strength. Still, he said the immediate job is to stay locked into the ODI series and keep the bigger picture in the background for now.

"It's very hard not to find yourself speaking about the Test series, even though you're within the ODI space," Bavuma said.

"It's one that is highly anticipated. Both teams, fully fit, having their best players will allow for a proper game of cricket."

For the moment, South Africa are trying to keep those emotions in check and focus on the first part of the tour before shifting attention to red-ball cricket.

Recent results favour South Africa, especially at home

The ODI rivalry has been closely fought over the years. The two sides have met in 113 one-day internationals, with South Africa leading 57-52. There have also been three ties and one no result.

The Proteas’ edge is even more noticeable at home, where they lead the head-to-head 28-22. That record will give them confidence as they begin another important home series in front of familiar conditions and supporters.

Squads and tour schedule

South Africa’s 16-man squad for the ODI series is packed with experienced names and a few younger options. Australia, meanwhile, arrive with a strong touring party that includes several of their leading all-format players.

• South Africa: 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.
• Australia: 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, Adam Zampa.

The opening ODI is in Durban on 24 September, followed by Johannesburg on 27 September and Potchefstroom on 30 September. The tour then moves into Test cricket with matches in Durban, Gqeberha and Johannesburg across October.

• First ODI: 24 September, Durban
• Second ODI: 27 September, Johannesburg
• Third ODI: 30 September, Potchefstroom
• First Test: 9-13 October, Durban
• Second Test: 18-22 October, Gqeberha
• Third Test: 27-31 October, Johannesburg

Durban anchors the start of both the ODI and Test sections of the tour, which gives the schedule a neat symmetry. By the time England arrive later in the season, South Africa should have a much clearer sense of the core group they are likely to carry into a home World Cup.