South Africa will face Pakistan in Tests without their injured captain Temba Bavuma next month. However, Quinton de Kock will make his comeback from One-Day International retirement for the white-ball matches on this multi-format tour.
The South African team will kick off their World Test Championship title defense with a two-Test series in Pakistan, starting in Lahore on October 12. Unfortunately, they will be without key batter Bavuma due to a calf strain.
“It’s disappointing not to have Temba with us,” said South Africa coach Shukri Conrad. “He plays a crucial role as a leader and batter, and his absence will be felt both on and off the field.”
The team will travel with four spinners, although Keshav Maharaj will only be fit for the second Test as he recovers from a groin injury. Simon Harmer has been recalled, alongside Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayan.
Aiden Markram will captain the Test team in Bavuma’s absence, maintaining the core group from their championship win against Australia at Lord’s in June.
Several Test players will rest during the subsequent white-ball series.
Left-handed wicketkeeper-batter De Kock returns after retiring from the 50-over format post the 2023 Cricket World Cup. His last appearance in the T20 team was during the 2024 World Cup.
“Quinton’s return to white-ball cricket is a significant boost,” Conrad noted. “Our discussions revealed his strong desire to continue representing the nation.
“His quality is well-known, and having him back is a big plus for the team.”
South Africa will co-host the 2027 Cricket World Cup with Zimbabwe and Namibia, aiming to finally secure the elusive trophy.
Matthew Breetzke will lead the ODI squad, while David Miller will captain the T20 side. The teams will play three T20 matches from October 28 to November 1, followed by three ODIs from November 4 to 8.
Test squad:
Aiden Markram (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj*, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne
*Second Test only
T20I squad:
David Miller (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams
ODI squad:
Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.
