Bavuma: Australia ODI series key to Proteas finding rhythm
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma says the upcoming one-day international series against Australia offers an ideal opportunity for the squad to find its rhythm ahead of the World Cup.
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee returns after last playing an ODI at the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.
Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller and Quinton de Kock are also back in the squad after being rested for the series against Namibia.
Bavuma said the team are eager to test themselves against one of the world's strongest sides.
"From a team perspective, it's about us gelling together as a team and reminding ourselves of all the good things that we did. It's about asking what we want to achieve and starting to build on that.
"When you play against Australia, you do not just play against an individual; you play against the Australia brand. Competitiveness and fire are always there against the Australians, and we'll be looking to put our best foot forward."
The series opens at Kingsmead in Durban on 24 September before moving to the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg for the annual Pink Day fixture on 27 September.
The final match will be played in Potchefstroom on 30 September.
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South Africa will be looking to continue their recent success against Australia at home after recovering from 2-0 down to win a five-match ODI series 3-2 in 2023.
Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne from their ODI squad for the tour, while rising stars Cooper Connolly, Ollie Peake and Joel Davies have been included.
With Australia's Cricket World Cup title defence just a year away, selectors have also named batting prodigy Peake, 19, and all-rounders Davies, 22, and Connolly, 23, as they continue to usher in a new generation of talent.
Mitchell Marsh, fellow opener Travis Head and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood return after missing the ODI series in Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier this year.
