Are Markram and Bavuma Ready to Lead South Africa in Australia?
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Synopsis
South Africa's regular white-ball captains, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, are back for the Australia tour. Markram leads T20Is while Bavuma heads the ODIs. With a strong squad at their disposal, they aim to build towards future World Cups. Will they rise to the challenge in Australia?
Key Takeaways
- Markram leads the T20I squad while Bavuma leads the ODI team.
- Both captains return after injuries and rest.
- New faces in the squad aim to gain experience.
- The tour poses significant challenges against Australia.
- Focus on building towards future World Cups.
Johannesburg, July 24 (NationPress) The usual white-ball captains for South Africa, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, are poised to return to their leadership roles for the upcoming tour of Australia next month. Markram will take charge of the T20I team, while Bavuma will lead the ODI squad.
Markram was given a break during the recent Test and T20I series in Zimbabwe, and Bavuma missed the Zimbabwe Tests due to a hamstring injury sustained during the World Test Championship final in June. Both captains will have access to a nearly full-strength squad.
Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayan, who debuted in Tests against Zimbabwe, has received his first T20I call-up. He joins a group of four frontline spinners in the squad, which includes George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, and Nqaba Peter.
In the ODI line-up, Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius have been included, with Pretorius earning his first selection for the 50-over format. Brevis, who participated in the ODI squad during the home series against Australia in 2023, is still awaiting his debut. Both players are expected to leverage their experiences from T20Is and Tests as they enhance their international careers.
Brevis, Pretorius, and Subrayen are part of both squads, alongside batters Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs, as well as seamers Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada.
“Having our senior players back after their rest following the WTC Final is fantastic. Their experience and quality significantly enrich the group as we aim to establish a robust core in both formats,” remarked head coach Shukri Conrad in a statement.
“Every series from this point is crucial in shaping our squads for the T20 World Cup next year and the 50-over World Cup set for 2027 in our home territory. Touring Australia is always challenging. We understand that their conditions and intensity will test us thoroughly, and that's the type of challenge we seek.”
The tour will feature three T20Is from August 10 to 16, followed by a three-match ODI series from August 19 to 24. Matches are scheduled to take place in Darwin, Cairns, and Mackay.
T20I squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen.
ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen.
Point of View
The return of experienced players Markram and Bavuma injects hope and confidence. Their leadership could be crucial in navigating the demanding conditions and high-stakes atmosphere in Australia. The focus remains on building a strong foundation for future international competitions.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for South Africa's tour of Australia?
The tour includes three T20Is from August 10 to 16, followed by a three-match ODI series from August 19 to 24.
Who are the captains for the South African teams?
Aiden Markram will captain the T20I side, while Temba Bavuma leads the ODI squad.
How many new players are included in the South African squads?
Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius are newly included players in the ODI squad, with Pretorius receiving his first call-up.
What impact do Markram and Bavuma's returns have?
Their experience and quality are expected to provide significant value to the team as they prepare for challenging matches in Australia.
Which spinners are part of the T20I squad?
The spinners in the T20I squad include Prenelan Subrayan, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, and Nqaba Peter.
