Temba Bavuma will return to lead South Africa’s 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India next month after completing his recovery from a calf strain. The World Test Championship-winning captain missed the start of their WTC title defense against Pakistan after sustaining the injury in England in September. 

Bavuma will not feature in the white-ball games that start in Pakistan this week but will return in the A-side to play India A in an unofficial match in Bengaluru before joining the red-ball squad. His inclusion in the squad is the only change from their squad that drew with Pakistan by 1-1, as he comes at the expense of David Bedingham, who didn’t play both games.

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Bedingham has played 15 red-ball matches for the Rainbow Nation and scored one century and four half-centuries, but before his 82-run knock against Zimbabwe at the Queen’s Park Oval in Bulawayo, he went for 12 innings with a fifty.

South Africa make one change in 15-member squad against India in Tests

South Africa have stuck with their ratio of three specialist spinners as all of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy did a fantastic job in Pakistan. The off-spinner of the side, Prenelan Subrayen, who played the opening Test match while Maharaj was recovering from the groin strain, has not been considered in the side.

Kagiso Raba, Corbin Bosch, and Marco Jansen will be part of the pace attack, while their veteran right-arm fast bowler, Lungi Ngidi, won’t be included after missing out on the Pakistan trip. The opening clash of the two-match series will begin on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata before the action shifts to Guwahati from November 22.

After the end of the Test series, both teams will feature in a three-match ODI series and five T20I matches on this tour.

South Africa squad for Tests against India

Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer.

England (ENG) will lock horns with South Africa (SA) in the second ODI of the three-match series on Thursday, September 4, at Lord’s, London. The Proteas head into the contest with a 1-0 lead after a dominant display in the opening encounter. The hosts endured a dismal outing at Headingley, Leeds, where they were bundled out for just 131 runs. None of the English batters found their rhythm as South Africa’s bowlers dictated terms. With the series on the line, England must regroup quickly and deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd. A defeat here would hand the visitors an unassailable series win.

See Also: Top 3 players to watch from India ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, South Africa will take confidence from their commanding seven-wicket victory. Their bowlers laid the platform, and the batters ensured a comfortable chase. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s men will now aim to maintain their momentum at Lord’s and seal the series with one match to spare. Much will hinge on whether their bowlers can replicate their brilliance from the first ODI.

South Africa vs England , 2nd ODI: Live Streaming Details 

South Africa vs England , 2nd ODI: Probable Playing XI

England

Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker

South Africa

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

England (ENG) and South Africa (SA) will meet in the opening ODI of their three-match series at Headingley, Leeds, on Tuesday, September 2. The Proteas begin their white-ball tour of England with this series, and the contest promises exciting cricket. England’s last limited-overs assignment was against West Indies earlier this year, where the Harry Brook-led side dominated, sweeping both ODI and T20I series. With several players in rhythm after The Hundred, and the return of pace spearhead Jofra Archer, England look well-prepared to start strongly.

See Also: Dilshan Madushanka becomes 8th Sri Lankan to record ODI hat-trick

On the other hand, South Africa arrive with confidence, having recently sealed an ODI series victory against Australia. Although they lost the preceding T20I series 2-1, the team bounced back impressively in the 50-over format. The Proteas will be further boosted by the return of fast-bowling star Kagiso Rabada, who missed the last tour due to an ankle injury. With momentum and key players back, they aim to challenge the hosts in Leeds.

England vs South Africa, 1st ODI: Live Streaming Details

England vs South Africa, 1st ODI: Probable Playing XI

England (Probable Playing XI):

Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, Jamie Smith (wk), Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker

South Africa (Probable Playing XI):

Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (captain), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka

Australia (AUS) will face South Africa (SA) in the third and final ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Sunday, August 24. While the Aussies sealed the T20I series 2-1, they have already lost the ODI series after suffering consecutive defeats. Resting experienced stars like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc has backfired, leaving the side vulnerable. Australia’s batting faltered in Cairns during a crushing 98-run defeat in the first game, followed by an 84-run loss in the second, making this contest crucial to avoid a whitewash.

See Also: “Fought when hope was fading” - Gautam Gambhir reacts to Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement

Meanwhile, South Africa enter the finale high on confidence, having dominated both ODIs with strong batting and exceptional bowling performances. Skipper Temba Bavuma, who struck a vital half-century in the opener, is likely to return after missing the second match. The Proteas bowlers have effectively dismantled Australia’s batting on both occasions, giving them momentum. With a 2-0 lead in hand, South Africa will be eager to complete a clean sweep before heading home.

Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI: Live Streaming Details

Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI: Probable Playing XI

Australia (Probable Playing XI)

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa (Probable Playing XI)

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (C), Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger

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 surprised everyone with an inspiring win over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas managed to shed their chokers tag by winning an ICC event after a long time. South Africa showcased tremendous temperament in challenging playing conditions with their committed resolve.

Team India is all set to play a five-match test series against England from next week, and this win can be a motivational source for Team India. Team India will find the playing conditions tough, as it is difficult to beat England at home. Team India can certainly learn from South Africa on how to prepare for a challenging task. We discuss three key points that India can learn from South Africa as far as taking on England in England is concerned:

1. Preparing in the right manner

South Africa prepared well ahead of the WTC final as most of their players were recalled from franchise tournaments, including the IPL. The results were clearly visible as pacer Kagiso Rabada had enough time to prepare, and he was the one who played a crucial role in the win. He took 9 wickets in the entire match. He didn't even play the playoffs for the Gujarat Titans. On the other hand, Aiden Markram didn't play the last league match for Lucknow Super Giants against RCB to join the national team.

His century in the fourth innings turned out to be crucial for South Africa. On the other hand, key Team India players couldn't get preparation time during the 2023 WTC final due to IPL commitments, while some Australian players didn't play the 2023 IPL to prepare for the 2023 WTC final, and the result was visible.  

2.Dealing with Injuries and the team rebuilding phase

Former South African captain Dean Elgar's retirement call after the home test series against India was surprising. It was South Africa's first series of a new cycle, due to which they had to go back to a backup plan, and they had to appoint Temba Bavuma in a very short time. The team needed time to adjust under the leadership of a new captain. South Africa could hardly match Team India in the WTC points table during that period, and the team lost to a New Zealand team, which had new players. Players like Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger's injuries gave the team management a tough time and they had to face problems while adding new players.

Players like Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson etc played their part during the entire WTC campaign. These players have added depth and enough options in the dugout. The Indian team is also in a similar situation in test cricket as they too are under a rebuilding phase in the five-day format after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It would be interesting to see how they cope up with this phase that could define their position in the next WTC cycle.

Also See:Watch: South Africa lifts Test mace after winning WTC Final 2025

3. Adjusting to conditions

South Africa won the toss in the final and elected to bowl first, knowing that the conditions and wicket would aid the batters as the match progressed, even though the conditions were overcast on the first day. South African bowlers bowled well and managed to bowl Australia out for 212.

Team India had also won the toss in the 2023 WTC final, but their bowlers couldn't take the advantage and allowed Australia to score 469, even though they were 76/3 at one stage. On the third day, when there was sunshine, South African batters took full advantage of the wicket and adjusted to conditions well that allowed their batters to play their shots as the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Australian bowlers found it difficult to bowl on the wicket. 

On June 14, 2025, South Africa created history by winning their maiden ICC World Test Championship title, defeating the tournament favorites Australia by five wickets at the Lord's. The Proteas fans all around the world cherished this euphoric moment, as this was South Africa's first ICC title win since 1998. In the process, they also became only the third team to win a WTC title. 

Temba and Co. achieved a monumental feat in world cricket, a feat which has eluded them for several decades. After several days of celebrations, it was time for the Proteas team to return home. Upon arrival, the team received a hero's welcome and was greeted by happy supporters. The live visuals of their arrival were captured on camera and have immediately become viral online. 

See also: South Africa strengthen bid for 2025 WTC Final at lord's with commanding victory

South African cricket team touches down for the first time since the WTC win

The South African team landed at the OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg on June 18. The skipper, Temba Bavuma, led the way, posing with the prestigious Test mace. After taking a few steps, he briefly stopped for a photo shoot along with the mace. His coach, Shukri Conrad, joined him shortly after, and the duo jointly lifted the mace together for the photo shoot. At the time of the coverage, the broadcaster expressed his delight and mentioned how big of an achievement this has been for the South African Test side. 

WTC WINNER SOUTH AFRICA HAVE ARRIVED HOME. 🏆pic.twitter.com/lvVMfdA7zc

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2025

The WTC 2025 Final triumph has ended decades of heartbreak and misery for the South African side. Despite being a quality side, South Africa would often stumble in the knockout stage. But after years of perseverance, that WTC mace must feel extra special in their hands. 

The glorious WTC title win will inspire a new generation of Proteas players and fans alike. South Africa are scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe starting on June 28. This series will comprise their first Test assignment of the WTC 2025-27 cycle. 

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, who created history by winning the World Test Championship final (WTC Final 2025) by defeating Australia after an intense battle at Lord's. Unlike many other cricketers in the cricket world, the 35-year-old's life has been different in many ways.

From childhood days to the senior cricket level, Bavuma's life is filled with struggles and hard work. Years back, the South Africa cricket team did not used to be like this now. Being a Black African community, Bavuma had to fight with the barriers of society. After the WTC triumph of South Africa, Sky Sports Cricket discovered the area, the ground, and the narrow alleys where a little Temba Bavuma used to play cricket with his friends.

Like before, the crossroad, where Bavuma played cricket, is surrounded by houses and structures, which were not allowed to be hit by the ball. So, he had to play only shots close to the ground. From there, Temba came to learn about the copybook cricket shots like cover drive, straight drive, or cut shot.

Read More: Multiple injury crisis for India ahead of ENG vs IND series, BCCI announce replacements

Watch, from where Temba Bavuma has started his journey

When Michael Atherton visited Langa, the township where Temba Bavuma started his cricketing career 🏏 pic.twitter.com/IsbqrWWE37

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 16, 2025

At the age of 3, the little boy first batted on the community ground, which is known as the Langa Cricket Club ground. The jersey Temba used to play in during his early days is now preserved in the club's pavilion. 

It is known that Langa is a township in Cape Town, South Africa, known as the oldest township in the city, which was established in 1927. It was initially created as a segregated residential area for Black Africans under the Apartheid regime's Urban Areas Act. The meaning of Langa in 'Sun' and Temba Bavuma is one of the brightest names from the community. 

After nearly 27 years of relentless pursuit and heartbreak, South Africa have finally reached the summit of Test cricket. A moment generations waited for unfolded at the historic Lord’s, where the Proteas stood tall, crowned as the best in the Whites. The stadium was alive with emotion—teenagers embracing their elders, eyes moist, hearts full. On a glorious London day with no sign of rain, sunlight danced across the emerald turf, while scattered white clouds painted a poetic backdrop to this monumental triumph.

The scene became even more special with legends like Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers present, witnessing a moment they had long dreamed of. Years of dedication, near-misses, and grit had led to this point. As Temba Bavuma lifted the ICC Test mace high above his head, the sense of redemption was overwhelming. It was more than just a win—it was a defining chapter in South African cricket history, etched forever at the iconic Lord’s.

Read More: Watch: Dream delivery from Mitchell Starc takes the wicket of Tristan Stubbs during WTC Final 2025

Bavuma played a captain's knock to earn the moment with an injured leg. Throughout his 134-ball innings, he was in agony, received medical treatment on the ground, but refused to leave the battlefield. The iron will and the character shown by South Africa are undoubtedly signs of a deserving champion.

Australia tried best, but it was the 'character' at its best

Bavuma, in the post-match presentation, said that they tried to build the character throughout the years and that finally paid off. Along with the skipper, Aiden Markram has encrypted his name permanently in the pages of cricket history for that match-winning innings: 207 balls, 136 runs. 

The defending champion, Australia, tried as much as possible to defend their title: their skipper, Pat Cummins, bagged a record-breaking 6 wickets; Steve Smith and Beau Webster batted brilliantly in the first innings; and Mitchell Starc got 5 wickets in total and an unbeaten 58 batting at lower order in the second innings. Australia tried everything possible, but the moment was for South Africa. 

Watch the historic moment here

ICC World Test Champions 2025!#WtcFinal2025 #Proteas pic.twitter.com/LJnsfdHnhu

— Captain Springbok (@CaptSpringbok) June 14, 2025

Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's witnessed South Africa etch their name in history, chasing down 282 to win by 5 wickets and securing their first WTC title. Resuming at 213/2, needing 69 runs, South Africa faced a late scare as Australia’s bowlers struck thrice, but David Bedingham's calm 21* and Kyle Verreynne's unflappable 4* saw them through to victory in 83.4 overs. Mitchell Starc's incendiary 3/66 presented a challenge, but the resistance of South Africa, spearheaded by Aiden Markram's match-winning 136 before he was sent back to the pavilion, broke a long drought. The day, where three wickets were lost, topped a nail-biting Test match with South Africa deserving champions.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5, Win by 5 Wickets

South Africa resumed at 213/2 (56 overs), needing 69 runs to win. The chase hit turbulence as Mitchell Starc (3/66 in 14.4 overs) dismissed Temba Bavuma (66 off 134, caught by Alex Carey) and Tristan Stubbs (8 off 43, bowled), reducing South Africa to 241/4. Josh Hazlewood (1/58 in 19 overs) removed Aiden Markram (136 off 207, 14 fours, caught Travis Head), ending his historic knock at 276/5, with 6 runs still needed. Pat Cummins (1/59 in 17 overs) had earlier dismissed Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne) on Day 3, while Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Carey) also fell early. However, David Bedingham’s steady 21* off 49 (1 four) and Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 4* off 13 forged a crucial 6-run sixth-wicket stand, guiding South Africa to 282/5 in 83.4 overs. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among Lord’s elites like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Australia’s bowlers, including Nathan Lyon (0/66 in 26 overs), toiled on a flattening pitch, but South Africa’s resolve, as emphasized by coach Shukri Conrad, secured the historic win.

South Africa 2nd Innings – 282/5 (83.4 Overs)

See Also: Watch: Dream delivery from Mitchell Starc takes the wicket of Tristan Stubbs during WTC Final 2025

Key Moments: SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

• Markram’s Match-Defining Ton: Aiden Markram’s 136* earned him Player of the Match as his fourth-innings century at Lord’s adds to his legacy next to the greats.
• Late Drama: Starc’s double strike taking Bavuma and Stubbs up until that point made a great contest out of it when South Africa were 241/4.
• South Africa’s Historic Triumph: South Africa became the fourth team to beat Australia in an ICC final after 20+ years of heartbreak, with Markram’s redemptive 136 and a lion-hearted skipper Temba Bavuma ending a 27 year drought for an ICC trophy; Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets in both innings sealed the triumph in a year of breaking trophy droughts
• Bedingham’s Calm Finish: David Bedingham’s unbeaten 21 steadied the chase as South Africa crossed the line once Verreynne was dismissed.