The South African Men’s selection panel has named the squads for the upcoming all-format tour of Pakistan with David Bedingham named in the Test squad.
The Proteas will begin their defence of the World Test Championship Mace with a two-match Test series against Pakistan from 12 – 24 October, taking place in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the series, as he continues his recovery from a left grade two calf strain sustained during the recent tour of England. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the side.
Essex spinner Simon Harmer has earned a recall to the national side for the first time since March 2023. He is joined by fellow spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayan. Keshav Maharaj, meanwhile, has been named for the second Test only as he completes the final stages of rehabilitation from a left groin strain.
The all-format players selected for the Test series – with the exception of all-rounder Corbin Bosch and batter Dewald Brevis – will be rested for the white-ball leg of the Pakistan tour, which features three T20Is from 28 October – 01 November and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) from 04 – 08 November.
Convenor of Selector for the Proteas Men, Patrick Moroney said: “Getting our World Test Championship defence underway in Pakistan is an exciting moment for this group. It marks the beginning of another important cycle, and the white-ball leg of the tour also presents valuable opportunities to build depth and test ourselves against quality opposition as we continue shaping squads for the T20 and 50-over World Cups.
“We have had to contend with a number of injuries in recent months, and it has been important for the medical and management teams to work closely together to ensure we continue to field the strongest possible squads. While injuries are never ideal, they also create opportunities for other players to step up, which is an important part of building that depth across all formats.
“Temba’s calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November.”
Proteas Men’s Head Coach Shukri Conrad added: “Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. 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. At the same time, the majority of the Test squad have experience of playing in the subcontinent and understand the demands that come with it, so I’m confident they will embrace the challenge.
“Pakistan is one of the tougher places to tour, and with spin-friendly conditions expected and Keshav only available from the second game, it was important to have an experienced campaigner like Simon in the squad to provide extra depth in the spin department.
The Test squad will convene for a two-day camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from 05 – 06 October, before their departure to Lahore from OR Tambo International Airport on 07 October.
Proteas Test squad against Pakistan
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), David Bedingham (Durham/ World Sports Betting Western Province), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Simon Harmer (Essex/ Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj* (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins) and Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province).
Pakistan Tour Fixtures
Test Series
1st Test – Sunday, 12 October – Thursday, 16 October
Pakistan vs South Africa – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
2nd Test – Monday, 20 October – Friday, 24 October
Pakistan vs South Africa – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi