BREAKING | Temba Bavuma ruled out, but Quinton de Kock set to make shock retirement U-turn

Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the upcoming tour to Pakistan, while Quinton de Kock is set to make a sensational return to the national men's team.

Bavuma will continue his recovery from a grade two calf strain sustained during the recent tour of England. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the side with in-form Lions batter Zubayr Hamsa returning to the Test squad. Hamza recently struck a century for South Africa ‘A’ against New Zealand ‘A’.

Further disruption to the travelling squad has seen left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj available only for the second Test as he continues his rehabilitation from injury which has led to a surprise call-up for off-spinner Simon Harmer. The 36-year-old last played for the Proteas back in March 2023.

It will be the first series that forms part of the Proteas’ World Test Championship title defence. 

He is joined by fellow spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayan, whose action has been cleared by ICC after being reported on the recent tour of Australia.

National selection convenor Patrick Moroney has surprised friend and foe with the recall of veteran De Kock for T20I squads as well as the ODI squad.

De Kock, 32, retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup semi-final defeat to Australia in Kolkata and has not featured for the Proteas in the shortest format since the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados. 

There are also maiden call-ups for Donovan Ferreira and Warriors wicketkeeper Sinethemba Qeshile, who have been named in the ODI squad, as well as Titans batter Rivaldo Moonsamy, included in the T20I squad to face Namibia. 

The T20I against Namibia will be the first limited-overs international match between the two senior sides and will also mark the official opening of the Namibia Cricket Ground, one of the host venues for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.  

Said Moroney: “Getting our World Test Championship defence underway in Pakistan is an exciting moment for this group.

"It marks the beginning of another important cycle. The white-ball leg of the tour also presents valuable opportunities to build depth and test ourselves against quality opposition, as we continue shaping squads for the T20 and 50-over World Cups. 

“We have had to contend with a number of injuries in recent months, and it has been important for the medical and management teams to work closely together to ensure we continue to field the strongest possible squads. 

“While injuries are never ideal, they also create opportunities for other players to step up, which is an important part of building that depth across all formats. 

“Temba’s calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November.”

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad added: “Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available.

"He has been such an important leader for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed. At the same me, the majority of the Test squad have experience of playing in the subcontinent and understand the demands that come with it, so I’m confident they will embrace the challenge. 

“Pakistan is one of the tougher places to tour. With spin-friendly conditions expected and Keshav only available from the second game, it was important to have an experienced campaigner like Simon in the squad to provide extra depth in the spin department. 

“Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us. When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team. 

“Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has led SA 'A' and the Warriors in this format before. I have no doubt he’ll captain the ODI side with that same character and composure which he brings to his game.”  

“During the T20I series against England, I was impressed by Donovan’s maturity, his understanding of the game, and the way he connects with the younger players in the squad. His appointment as captain for the T20I against Namibia presents an exciting challenge, one that I believe will only enhance his development as a cricketer.” 

The Test squad will convene for a two-day camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from newxt week Friday, before their departure to Lahore on Tuesday, October 7. 

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD ONE-OFF T20I v NAMIBIA 

Proteas T20I squad against Namibia: Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith. Lizaad Williams 

One-off T20 International fixture

First T20I: Saturday, October 11 @ Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

SOUTH AFRICA SQUADS FOR TOUR OF PAKISTAN 

Proteas Test squad against Pakistan: Aiden Markram (capt), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj*, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne (*second Test only)

Proteas T20I squad against Pakistan: David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams

Proteas ODI squad against Pakistan:  Matthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile

TOUR OF PAKISTAN FIXTURES  

Test series

First Test: Sunday, October 12 to Thursday, October 16 @ Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 

Second Test: Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 24 @ Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

T20 International series

First T20I: Tuesday, October 28 @ Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Second T20I: Friday, October 31 @ Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 

Third T20I: Saturday, November 1 @ Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 

ODI series

First ODI: Tuesday, November 4 @ Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Second ODI: Thursday, November 6 @ Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Third ODI: Saturday, November 8 @ Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad