David Miller, Qunton De Kock Named In Full-Strength South Africa Squad for Australia ODIs

By Suresh

**Proteas Name Near-Full-Strength XI for Australia ODI Clash** The season opener approaches, and South Africa have assembled a 16-member squad as close to full strength as player availability allows. Regular captain Temba Bavuma leads a side that proudly features senior batters David Miller and Quinton de Kock back in the fold—clear signal both remain firmly in the 2027 World Cup plans. The three-match series kicks off Sept 24 in Durban. The headline return is Gerald Coetzee, who last bowled an ODI in the 2023 World Cup. He steps in to cover the void left by Kagiso Rabada, ruled out of the ODIs with a hamstring injury but racing to be fit for the Tests. "It's great to see Gerald back in the fold and, by all accounts, he's been bowling nice and quickly," head coach Shukri Conrad noted. Rabada's rehab continues to be monitored closely. One notable drop is Anrich Nortje—not even considered for this series. "I don't think he has done enough for now," Conrad admitted, though he flagged a possible Bangladesh return. Meanwhile, Dewald Brevis misses out, opting for first-class preparation ahead of the Test season where he battles Breetzke, Stubbs and Miller for a middle-order spot. Aiden Markram rejoins for the second and third ODIs. Conrad framed this series as a crucial building block: six ODIs before England, then Bangladesh—"just making sure everyone gets a fair crack at it." The balance they seek: a middle order explosive enough to accelerate, yet patient enough to absorb pressure. That duality will define their World Cup ambitions. **SA ODI squad:** Bavuma (capt), Baartman, Bosch, Breetzke, Coetzee, de Kock, de Zorzi, Fortuin, Jansen, Maharaj, Maphaka, Markram, Miller, Ngidi, Rickelton, Stubbs. Source: NDTV Sports