South Africa won the third cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against the defending champions Australia at the iconic ground at Lord’s. Many Protea fans and the upcoming generation of players in the longest format truly lived the moment and perhaps had dreamt of achieving it in the future. But how?

South Africa won’t play any home Test in their next season. That’s a harsh truth: that the current WTC champions will be without a home Test match for more than a year because they have sandwiched the SA20 between the away Pakistan series and the upcoming T20 World Cup. And Kagiso Rabada, their premier pacer, has displayed his disappointment on that aspect.

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“This has been an issue we have been talking about for the past three years, or even longer. The nice thing is that it’s good to see that Test match cricket is still, you know, being watched and watched with closed eyes. I mean, there have been some really fantastic games that have been played. So, that’s well and truly alive.” Rabada expressed during the recent interaction on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Kagiso Rabada laments South Africa’s lack of Tests

They will also play two away Tests in India. Next year, they will host Australia for four Test matches. However, this lack of red-ball fixtures won’t be an advantage for the Proteas for the next WTC cycle. Rabada said that money is the last thing that everyone is after in this era.

Kagiso Rabada laments the lack of Test match cricket played by South Africa 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/BFniJLm76v

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 12, 2025

“Unfortunately, now, the game is more about money. You know, what’s going to make the most money, and that’s the challenge that you are looking at right now, it comes to more of an inclusivity for the other cricketing nations because, let’s talk a fact here, is that you need all the other nations to make world cricket. And that’s been a challenge.” The current pacer claimed.

The opening Test of the away Pakistan series will begin on October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore before the action shifts to the Rawalpindi Stadium for the second encounter on October 20.

The veteran South Africa off-spinner, Prenelan Subrayen, has been reported for a suspect bowling action during the opening ODI of the three-match series against Australia down under on August 19 in Cairns. The match officials, both the on-field umpires, have shown their concerns about the legality of the action of the off-spinner.

The first 50-over fixture against Australia was the debut ODI game for the spinner, where he bowled ten overs and picked up the vital wicket of the opposition opening batter, Travis Head, who was stumped out in trying to go for a big shot down the crease. The 31-year-old had also made his red-ball debut this year against Zimbabwe.

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The bowler will not undergo an Independent Assessment of his bowling action at an ICC Accredited Testing facility. He won’t be able to take part in the rest of the two games of the series as the Proteas will miss the spinner, having already lost their premier pacer, Kagiso Rabada, who was ruled out of the series due to the injury that he picked up during the T20I series.

South Africa’s Prenelan Subrayen reported for suspect bowling action

In the opening game, none of the touring batters was able to celebrate a big score. Opener Aiden Markram smashed a fine knock of 82 runs in 81 balls with the help of nine boundaries, as the captain, Temba Bavuma, also clubbed 65 runs in 74 balls with the help of five boundaries at a strike rate of 88. Breetzke dashed 57 runs at a strike rate of over 100 to take them to 296/8 in 50 overs.

Australia was well in the chase with the 60-run opening stand before the Keshav Maharaj storm blew them away. They suddenly fell like a pack of cards to 89/6 as the left-arm spinner picked up a five-wicket haul in the blink of an eye.

Captain Mitchell Marsh clubbed 88 runs in 96 balls with the help of 10 boundaries at a strike rate of over 90, as the second highest score was 33 in the scorecard. The home side faced a 98-run defeat to go 0-1 down in the series. The second game will take place on August 22 at the Great Barrier Reef Area in Mackay.

Dewald Bravis, the upcoming T20 superstar for South Africa, had already grabbed so much fame during the recent 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Chennai Super Kings. The right-handed batter smashed 225 runs at a strike rate of 180 in six innings at an average of 37.50. But during the second T20I against Australia in Darwin.

Brevis walked into the middle during the fifth over and smashed Ben Dwarshuis for a four before smoking Glenn Maxwell over long-on for a huge six. But the viral video was around the no-look six against Sean Abbott on the opening delivery of the ninth over, followed by another four through the backward point region. He swung his willow against Adam Zampa for another six over long-on. Australia looked to have no answer. 

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It was the 12th over when the batter opened up against Maxwell. He clubbed the second ball for a six over long-on before repeating the same short over deep mid-wicket for another over boundary. The fourth delivery of the over was dropped before he dashed another six straight down the ground.

Watch: Dewald Brevis smashes no-look six during AUS vs SA 2nd T20I match

Brevis celebrated his half-century in just 25 balls as he also became the third youngest Protea batter to record a T20I fifty at an age of 22 years after Tristan Stubbs did it at 21 and Lhuan-de-Pretorius achieved the feat at 19. It was also the fastest T20I century for the Rainbow Nation against Australia.

No Look Banger by brevis.😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/RViKfHhylQ

— U' (@toxifyy18) August 12, 2025

When Marsh brought back the pacers, they went short at the batter, who clubbed it over the wicket-keeper’s head for a six. Australia seemed to be clueless against Brevis, who didn’t look to end the knock. He drilled Dwarshuis for two successive boundaries and ended with an unbeaten 125 runs in 56 balls, scoring 12 boundaries and eight sixes at a strike rate of 223.21.

That is now the highest individual T20I score for the Proteas, overtaking 119 by Faf du Plessis against West Indies in 2015. It’s also the highest individual T20I score against Australia, surpassing 123 by Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2023. This is also the highest individual score in the T20Is in Australia as he went past Shan Watson’s 124* against India in Sydney in 2016.

South Africa and Australia meet each other during the first of the three-game T20I series at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, as international cricket returned to the venue after nearly 18 years. The former is coming on the back of the tri-series in Zimbabwe, where they lost the final against New Zealand. On the other hand, Australia earned a 5-0 series victory against the West Indies.

The Rainbow Nation got back their notable players in the side, including Kagiso Rabada, captain Aiden Markram, who took a break from the tri-series after winning the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against the same opposition at Lord’s. The visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first on a surface they had no idea of.

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“We are going to have a bowl. Not too much info on this venue, will have a look at it with the ball and then take the game from there. It has been good. We have been here for a week or so, the boys have been out and about, and there are some nice things to do around, and training as well. We are trying to fine-tune a lot of things as we build up to that World Cup.” Markram revealed.

South Africa win the toss and choose to bowl first in AUS vs SA 1st T20I

Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s captain, revealed that they were excited to be back in playing at this venue, while on the other hand, they chase their on the verge of an eight-match winning streak in the shortest format.

“We were going to have a bowl first. Mainly, we haven't played here as a group, but it (the pitch) does look like a belter. No, I didn't (know they were on an 8-game winning streak). Hopefully, the winning way continues.. We have had a great lead-up as a group and hopefully put on a show for the Darwin crowd.” Marsh claimed.

South Africa’s Playing XI

Aiden Markram(c), Ryan Rickelton(w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

Australia’s Playing XI

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

The Dolphins batter, Marques Ackerman, will continue to lead the South African side for the upcoming trip to New Zealand, which is set to take place later this month. The two teams will lock horns for the 50-over fixtures at Willowmoore Park in Benoni from August 30 to September 03 before the focus shifts to the four-day clashes at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom and Benoni. 

Both squads have a core group of players who recently made their trips to the Caribbean, where Ackerman led the Proteas’ A-side to the commanding 2-0 series victories in the one-day and four-day games. The two international pacers, Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka, will feature in both squads as the former aims to get back his sharpness with the ball.

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North West Dragons’ batter, Rubin Hermann, who made his T20I debut during the tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, has been named in the 50-over squad. The Lions’ batter, Zubayr Hamza, has returned to the squad of the Rainbow Nation as a part of the four-day squad.

South Africa announce strong squad for upcoming men's South Africa A tour to New Zealand

Head coach, Wandile Gwavu, expressed that with the teams doing fabulously well in the West Indies trip, they have kept faith in the players to display another superb performance against the Blackcaps at home.

“I was impressed with how Marques led the team during the West Indies tour. The entire changeroom wanted to play for him, and that’s always a great sign. It was an easy decision to back him again, and I’m looking forward to working with him on this upcoming tour.” Gwavu said in the press conference.

“Gerald and Kwena add valuable international experience and skill, and with Bjorn Fortuin unavailable due to a groin injury, Tsepo’s selection is well deserved based on his recent performances. Playing in our backyard in familiar conditions is an added advantage.” The head coach of the side shed light.

South Africa one-day squad against New Zealand A

Marques Ackerman (captain), Okuhle Cele, Gerald Coetzee, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Tristan Luus, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Nqaba Peter, Sinethemba Qeshile, Andile Simelane, and Jason Smith.

South Africa four-day squad against New Zealand A

Marques Ackerman (captain), Okuhle Cele, Gerald, Schalk Engelbrecht, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Tristan Luus, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lesego Senokwane, Jason Smith, and Codi Yusuf.

Mitchell Owen, thanks to his superb performance in the debut T20I series in the Caribbean, has earned his first ODI call-up to face South Africa, as Lance Morris has been recalled for the 50-over squad. Travis Hed and Josh Hazlewood have also made their way back into the T20I and ODI squads. Matthew Short, recovered from the side strain, has returned to the squad.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc continue to enjoy their rest as they will miss both series ahead of a long home summer, with Mitchell Marsh assuming the ODI captaincy. Xavier Barlett has been included for the three ODIs, while Marnus Labuschagne keeps his position for the 50-over side despite being dropped from the Tests.

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‘As we build towards the T20 World Cup, the flexibility and depth shown in the West Indies, outside of the obvious results, has been a huge positive. The flexibility within the batting order and the ability of bowlers to bowl in different stages of the innings were particularly pleasing to see. Chairman of the selectors, George Bailey, addressed the press conference.

Australia name white-ball squad for home series against South Africa

The Western Australian pacer, Morris, holds the central contract of CA and made his previous appearance for the 50-over side during the home series against Pakistan last November. He has been managed carefully due to the injuries, as the selectors got confidence after he picked up 13 wickets at 20.84 in Sheffield Shield matches.

‘The smaller squad for a home series, along with the return of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, sees some players not part of the squad for this Top End series, but all remain in the frame moving forward, and we feel the entire group embraced every opportunity.’ Bailey added.

The first two T20Is against South Africa will take place on August 10 and 12 in Darwin before the action moves to Cairns for the third T20I and first ODI. Mackay will host the last two 50-over fixtures on August 22 and 24.

Australia T20I squad vs South Africa

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

Australia ODI squad vs South Africa

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

South Africa has named a strong 15-member squad for their upcoming white-ball away series against Australia, scheduled to take place next month. They are currently playing in the Zimbabwe T20I tri-series involving New Zealand. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will return to lead the T20I and ODI squads, respectively.

Dewald Brevis, the upcoming star batter, along with Lhuan-dre-Pretorious, have been selected in both squads. David Miller, the veteran lower-order batter, is not part of both squads due to potentially being available for the Hundred 2025. Keshav Maharaj, who couldn’t take part in the second Bulawayo Test against Zimbabwe, returns for the ODI series.

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It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final. Their experience and quality add real value to the group as we continue to build a strong core in both formats. Every series from here on plays a part in shaping our squads for next year’s T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup at home in 2027.’ Their head coach, Shukri Conrad, expressed.

South Africa announce squad for T20I and ODI series vs Australia

Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Zimbabwe trip, after the end of the winning campaign in the WTC 2023-25 final against Australia in June, returns for both series against Australia as they look forward to go a step forward from the runners-up finish of the last edition of the T20 World Cup for the 2026 season in India and Sri Lanka.

The T20I series will begin on August 10 as the first two games will be played at the Marrara Stadium in Darwin before the action moves to the Cazalys Stadium in Cairns for the third T20I and first ODI. The tour will end with the last two 50-over fixtures at the Great Barrier Reef Arana in Mackay.

South Africa’s T20I squad against Australia

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre-Pretorious, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie Van Der Dussen.

South Africa’s ODI squad against Australia

Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre-Pretorious, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen.

South Africa’s stand-in Test skipper for the second Zimbabwe Test, Wiaan Mulder, declared on 367 not out at lunch on the second day of the fixture, despite being so close to Brian Lara’s world record of 400*. It was already the highest individual red-ball score by a Protea batter, going past Hashim Amla’s 311, which he got against England in 2012 at the Kennington Oval.

Mulder decided against chasing Brian Lara's record and opted to declare the first innings at 626/5. At the end of the day’s play, he disclosed that the decision came after a small meeting with the head coach, Shukri Conrad, as he was happy to let the legendary West Indies southpaw keep the big score in history. Mulder finished with the fifth-highest individual Test score in the history of the game.

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“You never know what is destined for me, but Brian Lara keeping that record (of the highest score in Tests) is exactly the way it should be. I thought we got enough from the new ball, and secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. He got 400 against England - for someone of that stature, to keep that record is pretty special.” The 27-year-old addressed Shaun Pollock. 

Watch: Wiaan Mulder declared a decision to avoid Brian Lara’s record

Given the amount of time left in the encounter, Mulder could have easily planned the record. However, more than that, it’s a great relief for the Proteas, who displayed trust in the batter to shoulder the responsibility at number three. After a couple of failures in the opening Test of the series and the WTC 2023-25 final against Australia at Lord’s, his return has impressed their coach.

“Wiaan’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary. Being the captain, then batting at No.3 where he had to absorb early pressure and face the new-ball, which he did with immense composure and control - it was unbelievable. It’s the kind of performance that anchors a team and sets the tone for the entire match. We’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved today.” Conrad expressed at the end of the day's play.

"Let the legends keep the really big scores." ❤️

🇿🇦 Wiaan Mulder speaks to Shaun Pollock after his historic knock 👏#ZIMvSA | #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/VqySlzOzHY

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 7, 2025

Zimbabwe were average in their first innings with the bat, getting bundled out for just 170, making the follow-on after the captain of the Rainbow Nations set the platform. The current WTC champions lead the series by 1-0 and could seal the deal by the end of the third day’s play.

Wiaan Mulder Leads South Africa’s Comeback After Early Trouble

South Africa is off to a strong start on Day 1 of the second Test against Zimbabwe. After winning the first match by a huge margin, they were in a bit of trouble early in this game but have recovered well thanks to captain Wiaan Mulder.

Zimbabwe chose to bowl first and had South Africa struggling at 24 for 2, with Tony de Zorzi getting out for 10 and Lesego Senokwane for 3. But Mulder played a great innings, scoring an unbeaten century and holding the innings together. He reached his hundred in 116 balls and even broke a big record, beating Herbie Taylor’s 1913 mark for the highest score by a South African captain in a first Test innings.

By the time of writing, South Africa is 205 for 2 in 47.4 overs. Mulder is still batting, with David Bedingham giving solid support on 81 not out. South Africa will look to keep building on this strong position as the match continues.

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Top Scores by South African Captains in Their First Test as Captain

• 110 Runs – Wiaan Mulder vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, 2025

• 109 Runs – Herbie Taylor vs England, Durban, 1913

• 104 Runs – Jackie McGlew vs England, Manchester, 1955

• 59 Runs – Kepler Wessels vs West Indies, Bridgetown, 1992

• 57 Runs – Ali Bacher vs Australia, Cape Town, 1970

In a glorious all-round show that set the cricketing world alight, Corbin Bosch scripted a chapter in the record books by becoming the first South African cricketer since 23 years to slam a ton and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test. His efforts with bat and ball arrived during South Africa’s recent Test against Zimbabwe, in which he produced a display that will remembered for some time to come.

More known for his ability with the ball, Bosch surprised many with the bat to score a chanceless and rock-solid 110 that provided the base for South Africa’s first innings.But it didn’t stop there. With ball in hand, he dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, ending with figures of 5 for 51, a spell that helped his side seize control of the match. His performance recalled the golden days of South African greats like Jacques Kallis, who last achieved a similar feat over two decades ago.

But what makes Bosch’s “impossible” feat even more extraordinary is that he did it in his second Test appearance, showing a maturity beyond his years. His century was his first in international cricket and his five wickets let it be known to both the selectors and the public at large that Corbin Bosch is here to stay and that he is no mere slogger.
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South Africa’s Rising All-Round Star Delivers a Once-in-a-Generation Performance Against Zimbabwe

Bosch’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time for South Africa, who have been searching for dependable all-round options in their red-ball setup. With Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen offering promise, Bosch’s entry into this group adds depth, balance, and a fresh spark to their Test future.

Keep going like this and he is not far away from the South African XI. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball not only makes the side flexible, it also provides food for thought for aspiring allrounders, who can take hope from his achievements.