South Africa is set to return to Test cricket as they face Bangladesh in late November 2026.
The Proteas currently sit at the top of the ICC Test rankings; however, they are not leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
The opening Test at the Wanderers, scheduled from November 15-19, holds significant implications for both teams.
South Africa’s WTC Standing
Following their defeat in the initial Test against Australia, South Africa dropped to third place in the WTC table.
Nevertheless, the Proteas rebounded impressively to clinch the series 2-1, reclaiming the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings.
After the third Test at Newlands, Australia slipped to third, trailing behind South Africa.
Currently, New Zealand leads the WTC standings by a narrow margin and will begin their Test series against India shortly after the Proteas face Bangladesh.
A victory for South Africa could see them leapfrog New Zealand into the first position.
However, they must first contend with a Bangladesh side that has proven to be unpredictable, currently sitting fifth in the WTC standings, just behind India.
Squad Announcement for Bangladesh Series
The South African squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh was announced on November 2.
Tony de Zorzi returns after being sidelined by a hamstring injury during the Australia series.
Anrich Nortje is back in the squad after missing the second Test against Australia.
Zubayr Hamza, who last played for the Proteas in February 2024, also makes his return.
Notably, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, and Gerald Coetzee have been omitted from the squad.
Coetzee was included in the squad for the third Test against Australia, stepping in for Nortje.
Lungi Ngidi remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, as reported by the ICC.
The complete squad includes:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton.
The finalized playing XI will be announced closer to the start of the first Test.
Fixture Details: Proteas vs Bangladesh
First Test: November 15-19 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg
Second Test: November 23-27 at Centurion Park in Centurion
These details have been confirmed by Cricket South Africa.
In addition, South Africa will also compete in three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh in December.
Significance of the Proteas vs Bangladesh Series
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