Bavuma Ruled Out of Pakistan Test Series; De Kock Returns from ODI Retirement
South Africa have been dealt a major blow ahead of their World Test Championship title defence, with captain Temba Bavuma ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan due to a calf strain. Bavuma picked up the injury during the recent white-ball tour of England and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. In his absence, Aiden Markram will take over the captaincy.
Bavuma’s absence is especially concerning for South Africa, as the injury follows a string of recent setbacks, including a hamstring strain that kept him out of the Zimbabwe Test series and a persistent elbow problem that has troubled him since 2022. Head coach Shukri Conrad acknowledged the concern over Bavuma’s recurring injuries but remained hopeful about his recovery ahead of the tour to India in November.
Harmer Returns, Spin Takes Centre Stage
With subcontinent conditions in mind, offspinner Simon Harmer has been recalled to the Test squad for the first time since March 2023. He joins a spin-heavy line-up that also includes Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, and Keshav Maharaj, though Maharaj will only be available from the second Test due to a groin strain.
“We expect extreme spin in Pakistan,” Conrad said. “Having someone like Simon [Harmer] in the squad adds important depth to the spin department, especially with Keshav only available from the second game.”
The pace attack will be led by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder, with Lungi Ngidi left out of the Test squad due to concerns over his effectiveness in subcontinental conditions.
De Kock Reverses ODI Retirement
In a major development, Quinton de Kock has come out of ODI retirement and has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the Pakistan tour. De Kock, who last played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in June, adds experience to a youthful white-ball setup.
South Africa have chosen to rest most of their all-format players for the limited-overs leg of the Pakistan tour, with Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis the only exceptions. David Miller will lead the T20I squad, while Matthew Breetzke takes charge of the ODI team.
Breetzke’s leadership experience with South Africa A and the Warriors has earned him the role, while Donovan Ferreira, who impressed during the T20I series against England, will captain a separate squad in a one-off T20I against Namibia to inaugurate a new stadium in Windhoek.
Youthful White-Ball Squads, Shamsi and Nortje Absent
Ferreira has also been named in the ODI squad, along with fellow allrounders and spinners George Linde and Bjorn Fortuin. Promising legspinner Nqaba Peter earns a spot as well. Notably absent are Tabraiz Shamsi, who declined a national contract, and Anrich Nortje, who is also without a central deal.
Coach Conrad clarified that Shamsi remains in the conversation for future selections. “We know what we have in Shammo. He understands our approach, and we’re keeping tabs on him through league performances,” Conrad said.
Test Squad Features Familiar Core
The Test squad retains most of the players who secured the WTC title against Australia in June. New additions include Brevis, Subrayen, and Zubayr Hamza. Dane Paterson and Lungi Ngidi have missed out, with the latter focusing on the limited-overs formats.
South Africa’s bowling strategy for the Pakistan Tests will hinge on the conditions, with Conrad hinting at a likely two-pacer, three-spinner attack. “It comes down to the balance of our bowling attack,” he explained. “We’ll decide based on what we see in Pakistan.”
Fixtures and Upcoming Tours
South Africa’s tour of Pakistan includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. After that, they travel to India for two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is — crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup. South Africa do not have any home Test matches in the 2025–26 season but will host West Indies for five T20Is before the global tournament.
South Africa Squads
Test squad vs Pakistan:
Aiden Markram (capt), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (available from 2nd Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne
ODI squad vs Pakistan:
Matthew Breetzke (capt), 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
T20I squad vs Pakistan:
David Miller (capt), 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
T20I squad vs Namibia:
Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams