South Africa has locked in their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of England — and the big headline is the return of Kagiso Rabada.
The pace spearhead is still nursing an ankle injury, though. The Proteas want him fit, but they also don’t want to push him too hard. So, his game time will depend on how he feels once they’re in England.
Rabada’s Fitness Still in Question
Head coach Shukri Conrad has made it clear: Rabada’s availability for the ODI series isn’t guaranteed.
“We’ll reassess Kagiso in England. We’re hopeful he will be available for part of the ODI series, but we’re prioritising T20 cricket and will take a conservative approach,” Conrad said.
To be safe, South Africa has called up 19-year-old quick Kwena Maphaka as cover in both formats.
Big Names Back in Action
It’s not just Rabada grabbing attention.
All-rounder Marco Jansen is back after recovering from a thumb injury and will feature in the T20Is. The Proteas also get a boost with the return of David Miller, whose power-hitting has been missed in the shortest format.
Another familiar face, Donovan Ferreira, is also back, adding more firepower to the middle order.
With experienced names mixing in alongside exciting youngsters like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs, the squads look well balanced — steady hands plus fresh energy.
Who’s Leading the Squads?
In ODIs, Temba Bavuma will lead the side. His squad comprises a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, all of whom are ready for bigger roles.
For the T20Is, the captain’s armband goes to Aiden Markram, with Miller, Jansen, and Rabada (if fit) giving the team plenty of experience. At the same time, youngsters will have the opportunity to test themselves against strong competition.
Why This Tour Matters
The tour might only be six matches long — three ODIs (September 2–7) and three T20Is (September 10, 12, 14) — but it’s a crucial step for South Africa.
With the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on the horizon, Conrad and his coaching staff see this as the perfect chance to build depth, test new combinations, and give youngsters exposure in English conditions.
The results matter, of course, but the bigger picture is about shaping a squad that can compete for major trophies in the years ahead.
Final Word
Between Rabada’s much-watched return, Miller’s finishing power, and the rise of players like Brevis and Stubbs, a lot is riding on this England tour.
It’s not just another series. It’s a stepping stone — a chance for South Africa to sharpen their tools and show what their next generation can do.
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