South Africa play all three formats and are reigning World Test champions, having beaten Australia at Lord’s in June 2025. Temba Bavuma captains the Test and ODI sides, while Aiden Markram leads in T20Is.
The Proteas won the September ODI series against Australia 2-1, then lost the first Test in Durban by 214 runs.
The second Test starts on 18 October in Gqeberha. Veterans like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada anchor the squad, while Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka and uncapped Marques Ackerman push for places ahead of the home 2027 World Cup.
Test Squad Core Players
South Africa are in the middle of a three-Test home series against Australia, the first series of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, which was Temba Bavuma’s first defeat as Test captain. The second Test starts on 18 October in Gqeberha, and the third is in Cape Town from 27 October.
After that defeat, the selectors dropped Tristan Stubbs and recalled Matthew Breetzke. Ryan Rickelton is now set to take the gloves from Kyle Verreynne. Anrich Nortje returned to the Test squad for the first time since 2023, and Kagiso Rabada was named after a hamstring concern.
- Captain: Temba Bavuma
- Batters: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Marques Ackerman
- All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch
- Wicketkeepers: Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne
- Fast bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson
- Spinners: Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy
Tony de Zorzi was in the first-Test group but is not in the squad for the second Test.
ODI Squad Core Players
South Africa beat Australia 2–1 in the September 2026 home ODI series, with Keshav Maharaj named Player of the Series. Quinton de Kock keeps wicket, and Bavuma leads the side. Aiden Markram captained in the third ODI.
The squad has a settled top order and a flexible lower order. Several first-choice quicks missed the series through injury, which opened the door for newer names.
- Captain: Temba Bavuma (Aiden Markram deputised in the third ODI)
- Batters: Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs
- Wicketkeeper-batter: Quinton de Kock
- All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch
- Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Duan Jansen, Nqobani Mokoena
Lizaad Williams also played in the second ODI.
T20I Squad Core Players
South Africa’s most recent named T20I group is the 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, led by Aiden Markram.
Markram and Lungi Ngidi were both named in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament.
- Captain: Aiden Markram
- Batters: Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Jason Smith
- All-rounders: Marco Jansen, George Linde, Corbin Bosch
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, Keshav Maharaj
Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs were left out of that World Cup squad. We’ll update this block when CSA names the next T20I squad.
Emerging Players
The Proteas are using their home season to test depth ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa will co-host. Several of the newer names have forced their way in through domestic or A-team form, and the group now spans all three formats.
| Player | Role | Format | Why He’s One to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke | Top-order batter | ODI, Test | ODI average above 60 and recalled to the Test squad for the second Australia Test |
| Marques Ackerman | Left-handed batter | Test | Uncapped at 30 after heavy runs for South Africa A |
| Duan Jansen | Left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder | ODI, T20I | Marco Jansen’s twin brother, capped for the first time in 2026 |
| Nqobani Mokoena | Fast bowler | ODI | 20-year-old from Durban, brought in as an injury replacement |
| Kwena Maphaka | Left-arm quick | ODI, T20I | Named in both the ODI squad and the T20 World Cup squad |
| Corbin Bosch | Pace-bowling all-rounder | All formats | Named in the Test, ODI and T20 World Cup squads |
| Dewald Brevis | Middle-order power-hitter | T20I | Out of the Test and ODI squads for now, but a T20 World Cup squad member |
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Conclusion: Complete South African Squad in all Three Formats
The South African cricket squad of 2026 is a dynamic and well-balanced group that combines seasoned players with up-and-coming talent. Both batting and wicketkeeping are strengthened by Quinton de Kock’s comeback, and Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and David Miller serve as mentors.
Young athletes with potential for the future include Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, and Dewald Brevis. The Proteas have depth in batting, spin, and quick bowling, making them ready for their next trips and ICC competitions. Due to its youthfulness, talent, and experience, South Africa is positioned as a competitive squad on the international stage.
