South Africa name 15-member squad for two-match Test series vs Bangladesh

South Africa have recalled their top-order batter, Tony de Zorzi, for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. He has fully recovered from the hamstring injury that he sustained in the third ODI of the series against Australia in September, as he comes in place of David Bedingham, who has been dropped from the squad.

The Proteas are full of confidence, having won the three-match red-ball series against Australia by a 2-1 margin. They made a strong comeback in the series with the victories in the last two clashes in Gqeberha and Cape Town by huge margins under the leadership of Temba Bavuma.

South Africa Test squad vs Bangladesh: Full 15-member player list and who misses out

The Proteas have also brought in an extra batter in Zubayr Hamza, with wicketkeeper Kyle Verrynne being left out after he was benched during the Australia series. Matthew Breetze is the reserve keeper of the squad. 

Anrich Nortje has returned to the squad after he suffered a groin injury at George’s Park and left the field midway. The rest of the bowlers have been retained as the question remains on their first-choice spinner. Simon Harmer has leapfrogged Keshav Maharaj in the home series against Australia.

“I don't expect anybody to go without a fight. Ultimately, again, he understands that it's for the betterment of the side. It's not about the selection being justified by Simon doing what he did today. It's what we believed was the right call [before the Test], and we've got to live by that.” Shukri Conrad expressed.

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South Africa’s Test squad vs Bangladesh-

Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton

How important is the Bangladesh series for South Africa’s WTC final qualification?

Following the three matches against the Pat Cummins-led side, South Africa have nine days off before they convene in Johannesburg for the Bangladesh series. It will be their first as the number one ranked Test side in the world. The game begins on November 15 in the city, followed by the second game at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on November 23.

The Proteas are currently in second position in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025/27 points table, having earned five victories in seven clashes at the PCT of 71.43 with 60 points. They have experienced only two defeats in the cycle.

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The home side, after the Bangladesh series at home, will turn their focus to England, which starts on December 17 at the Wanderers Stadium. Centurion and Cape Town will host the second and third clashes.