Coetzee returns to Proteas Men's squad for Dafabet ODI series against Australia

The South Africa Men’s selection panel has today announced a 16-player squad for the three-match Dafabet One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia from 24-30 September.

Temba Bavuma will captain the side, which sees DP World Lions fast bowler Gerald Coetzee recalled to the ODI setup, having last featured in the 50-over format at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

The 25-year-old forms part of a strong pace contingent alongside Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi and all-rounders Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen.

Lions spinner Bjorn Fortuin, who is currently leading the Proteas on their white-ball tour of Namibia and Keshav Maharaj complete the bowling options.

On the batting front, Aiden Markram will be available for the second and third Dafabet ODIs, while Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi provide further options at the top of the order.

Matthew Breetzke, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs add firepower to the middle order.

The first series of the home summer gets underway in Durban on 24 September at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, before the two sides head to the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg for the annual Dafabet Pink Day on 27 September. The series concludes at the NWC Oval in Potchefstroom on 30 September.

South Africa last faced Australia on home soil in 2023, when the Proteas came from 2-0 down to claim the five-match series 3-2.

Head coach Shukri Conrad said: “It’s exciting to start our home summer against Australia in what will no doubt be a competitive series.

“With the World Cup just over a year away, this series marks an important step in shaping the squad as we build towards the tournament, while also giving those players who are in the frame opportunities when we face Bangladesh and England later in the season.

“We have a clear idea of the combinations we want and the roles we need players to fulfill.

“From a batting perspective, we’ve looked at making sure we have a middle order that can be explosive but have the ability to absorb pressure and take the innings quite deep. That balance is going to be important for us.

“Unfortunately, Kagiso (Rabada) will miss out on this series due to injury but his absence creates an opportunity for the other players to step up.

“It’s great to see Gerald back in the fold and, by all accounts, he’s been bowling nice and quickly.

“Ottneil has shown how effective he can be at the death, and this is another opportunity for him to show what he can offer us in the 50-over format.”

Conrad added: “Pink Day is a massive occasion on our cricket calendar, and South Africans have always come out in their numbers to support the initiative and the excitement in and around the squad is palpable on the day.

“We know the Wanderers will be a spectacle in pink come the 27th and we’re looking forward to playing our part in raising awareness and support for the fight against breast cancer.”

Proteas Men’s Squad Dafabet ODI Series against Australia

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Gerald Coetzee (DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (DP World Lions), Tony de Zorzi (YesPlay Western Province Cobras), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions) and Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors).

Fixtures

First Dafabet ODI - Thursday, 24 September at 10am @ Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Second Dafabet ODI - Sunday, 27 September at 10am @ DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Third Dafabet ODI - Wednesday, 30 September at 1.30pm @ NWC Oval, Potchefstroom