South Africa’s depleted pace attack faces Australia test as Bavuma demands a step up

Bavuma challenges inexperienced pace group

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has urged his depleted fast-bowling unit to rise to the challenge when the hosts begin a three-match ODI series against Australia in Durban on Thursday.

South Africa are without Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman because of hamstring injuries. Nandre Burger is also unavailable with a back problem, leaving the hosts short of their usual fast-bowling options.

Lizaad Williams, the Jansen twins Marco and Duan, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Nqobani Mokoena have played only 72 ODIs between them. Bavuma said South Africa must manage their workloads carefully while making the most of the resources available.

“I think we're going to have to make the most of the bowling resources that we have from the seam department. There are options there. I think it's just how smartly we approach managing the loads of our fast bowlers,” Bavuma said.

The captain added that producing a formidable pace attack for visiting teams is part of South African cricket’s “DNA”. Despite the injuries, he wants Australia to feel the pressure traditionally associated with facing South Africa on home soil.

“We want teams, when they come here, to know that they're going to have to deal with our fast bowlers. That's part of our DNA,” he said.

Important series before 2027 World Cup

South Africa have played only three ODIs in 2026, winning all three against Namibia earlier this month with a weakened squad. With the country set to host the 2027 World Cup, the current season is viewed as an important period for establishing the team’s 50-over identity.

Bavuma said the ODI side is eager to protect its recent record after a period without regular opportunities to play together. The captain indicated that the team already has a broad idea of the core group it wants to take into the World Cup and is unlikely to make sweeping changes.

“From a team perspective, we generally know who those core players are (for the World Cup). I don't think we will move away too much from that,” Bavuma said.

New players are still expected to enter the squad. However, Bavuma believes South Africa’s three-match series against England in January 2027 could provide a clearer indication of the side they expect to field at the World Cup.