South Africa's World Test Championship Title Defense Without Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma

South Africa's cricket team is set to take on Pakistan in a two-test series, three T20Is, and three ODIs. South Africa's cricket team kicks off their ICC World Test Championship defense without Temba Bavuma.

“Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team...”

South Africa will kick off its defense of the ICC World Test Championship title without captain Temba Bavuma due to a calf strain. Aiden Markram will take over as the test captain for the two-match series against Pakistan, starting October 12 in Lahore and followed by the second test in Rawalpindi from October 20. Quinton de Kock, who had previously retired from One-Day Internationals, will come out of retirement to play in the white-ball series, including three ODIs and three T20Is.

De Kock's return to ODI cricket is a significant boost for South Africa's white-ball squads, led by David Miller for the T20Is and Matthew Breetzke as interim skipper for the ODIs. The ODI series will take place in Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium from November 4 to 8, marking the return of international cricket to the venue after 17 years.

The tourists will take four spinners on tour, though Keshav Maharaj will only be available for the second test as he recovers from a groin problem. Simon Harmer has earned a recall, with Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayan the others.

Aiden Markram will lead the test side in Bavuma's absence with an otherwise settled selection from the squad that won the mace in the final against Australia at Lord's in June.

“Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available,” South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said. “He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed.”

Quinton de Kock has made a stunning return to South Africa's white-ball squads, reversing his retirement from One-Day International cricket. De Kock joins the national team for the upcoming Pakistan tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is. This move comes as a significant boost to the Proteas, with head coach Shukri Conrad expressing his delight at De Kock's return, citing his wealth of experience and quality.

De Kock's return adds stability to South Africa's top order, particularly in ODIs, where his experience will be crucial against Pakistan's bowling attack. He brings a wealth of knowledge and skill, having scored 6770 runs at an average of 45.74 and a strike rate of 96.64 in 155 ODIs. His last appearance for South Africa was in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados 

With several all-format players being rested for the white-ball series, new captains have been appointed for each series. David Miller will lead the T20I side, while Matthew Breetzke takes charge of the ODI squad. Aiden Markram will captain the Test side in the absence of Temba Bavuma, who is sidelined due to a calf injury.

“Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us,” Conrad said. “When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country.

“Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team.”

Quinton de Kock back, David Miller and Matthew Breetzke to lead as South Africa rest some all-format players for the white-ball series in Pakistan https://t.co/7xvaAlLiz8 pic.twitter.com/8XDUiwkzws

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 22, 2025

2027 Cricket World Cup and South Africa's Preparations

South Africa is gearing up to co-host the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup with Zimbabwe and Namibia, with 44 matches scheduled to take place across eight venues in South Africa. This prestigious tournament marks a significant opportunity for the Proteas to claim their first World Cup title. The 2027 World Cup will feature 14 teams competing in the 50-over format, divided into two groups of seven teams each.

South Africa Test squad v Pakistan:

Aiden Markram (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (2nd Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne.

South Africa T20I squad v Pakistan:

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.

South Africa ODI squad v Pakistan:

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.