South Africa playing XI vs Bangladesh - (Source: AFP)
On Saturday, November 14, Cricket South Africa (CSA) released Proteas’ playing XI for 1st Test vs Bangladesh. Notably, the two teams will lock horns for the first of a two-match series starting on November 15 in Johannesburg.
Temba Bavuma will lead the side and the playing XI is more or less the same that which featured against Australia in the 3rd Test.
Zubayr Hamza Replaces David Bedingham; Paterson comes in for Coetzee
One of the major changes in the playing XI is David Bedingham’s exclusion. The right-handed batter played just 3 matches in 2026. In 5 innings, Bedingham scored 156 runs, averaging 31.20. He was dropped from the squad for the upcoming two-match series and has been replaced by Zubayr Hamza.
The 31-year-old made his Test debut back in 2019 but has been out of the scheme of things since 2024. Recently, Hamza played well with South Africa A series, where he scored 146 runs in 2 innings against Bangladesh A.
Other than that, Gerald Coetzee has been dropped from the playing XI, replaced by Dane Paterson.
South Africa’s Playing XI for 1st Test vs Bangladesh
Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, Zubayr Hamza, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harper, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson
Notably, Dane Paterson also returns to the playing XI for the first time in 2 years. Further, Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman will continue to open the innings. Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack.
Bangladesh Tests: Key For South Africa's WTC Hopes
At present, South Africa are placed 2nd on the table with 71.43 PCT. The defending champions are the favourites to reach the final for the 2nd straight time but face a strong competition from Australia.
The Pat Cummins-led side are third with 69 PCT, which means that South Africa cannot afford a slip-up. If the Proteas suffer a defeat against Bangladesh, then they might slip to the 3rd spot and it may affect their WTC final qualification chances.u
