Bavuma out of Pakistan Tests; De Kock reverses ODI retirement

Aiden Markram will be at the helm as South Africa kick-start defence of their World Test Championship mace with a two-match series in Pakistan next month. Regular skipper Temba Bavuma misses out as he continues to recover from a grade two left calf strain that he suffered on the recent tour of England.

For the limited-overs leg of the tour, South Africa will have the services of Quinton de Kock, who has reversed his ODI retirement. The wicket-keeper had announced his retirement from 50-over cricket after the 2023 World Cup and hasn't featured in a T20I since last year's T20 World Cup final in Barbabos.

The Test squad sees the return of Simon Harmer - his first recall to the national side since March 2023. He is joined by fellow spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayan. Keshav Maharaj, meanwhile, has been picked only for the second Test as he completes his rehabilitation for a left groin strain.

"Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available," South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said. "He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed. At the same time, 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."

"Quinton's return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us," Conrad continued. "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.

Barring Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis, the all-format players selected for the Test series will be rested for the white-ball series - three T20Is and three ODIs. David Miller will captain the T20I side while the in-form Matthew Breetzke will stand-in as skipper for the ODI series. For the one-off T20I against Namibia on October 11, Donovan Ferreira has been named captain.

"Matthew [Breetzke] has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has lead SA A and the Warriors in this format before, and I have no doubt he'll captain the ODI side with that same character and composure which he brings to his game," Conrad said.

"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."

Ferreira has also received his maiden ODI call-up, as has Sinethemba Qeshile. Rivaldo Moonsamy meanwhile, has been named in the squad for the Namibia fixture.

The Test squad will attend a two-day camp in Pretoria on October 5 and 6 before heading to Lahore on October 7. The first Test will commence on October 12.

Test squad vs Pakistan: Aiden Markram (c), 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

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

ODI squad vs Pakistan: Matthew Breetzke (captain), 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-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile

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