South Africa squad - (Source: AFP)On Monday, September 7, Proteas Men announced a 16-member South Africa squad for the upcoming series against Australia. The two teams will lock horns for a three-match ODI series from September 24-30.Temba Bavuma has shrugged off fitness concerns and returns to lead the side. The Rainbow Nation have named a strong side because the upcoming series will serve as a practice ground for the ODI World Cup 2027, which will take place in South Africa.Kagiso Rabada Ruled Out, Aiden Markram Unavailable For 1st ODISouth Africa’s pace sensation Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of their upcoming three-match ODI series due to hamstring injury. The right-arm seamer is nursing a grade 3 injury that requires 9-10 weeks of recovery.Not just Rabada, but Aiden Markram will also be unavailable for the 1st ODI. He will be up for selection from 2nd and 3rd ODI. The reason behind his absence is unknown and Proteas have kept it private as well.Gerald Coetzee Returns After 3 Years, Quinton de Kock, David Miller IncludedThe squad also marks the return of Gerald Coetzee to One-Day set-up after 3 years. The SRH star last represented the Proteas in ODIs against West Indies in March 2023. Besides Coetzee, the 16-member list also features Quinton de Kock and David Miller.De Kock and David Miller are not part of the centrally contracted players, but their inclusion hints that they are in scheme of things for 2027 ODI World Cup. De Kock, who reversed his retirement, slammed a century in his last ODI against India in December 2025.For David Miller, the upcoming series will mark his first stint with South Africa since 2025 Champions Trophy.Also Read: Kagiso Rabada Ruled Out Of Australia ODIs, Test Series In DoubtSouth Africa’s 15-member Squad For Australia ODIsSouth Africa squad for Australia ODIs: Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan StubbsIt is worth noting that only one player (Tony de Zorzi ) is the common star who is part of the squad set to play against Namibia and will join the squad to face Australia later in the month. Rest, it is a fresh and experienced squad. What Happened When South Africa Last Played ODIs vs Australia in South Africa?Australia and South Africa have produced some of the greatest One-Day games in the history of the format. The last time Australia travelled to South Africa for a fifty-over series was back in 2023. It was a five-match series, where the hosts were trailing 0-2 but the Temba Bavuma-led side bounced back and won the last three matches to clinch the series 3-2.Also Read: Brad Evans' Heroics In Vain; South Africa Register Record Win vs Zimbabwe To Bag Tri-Series
