South Africa played their first Test in 1889 and were a leading side until the apartheid-era ban cut them off from international cricket in 1970. They returned in 1991 and quickly became one of the strongest teams in the world.
The Proteas are known for athletic fielding and a strong fast-bowling tradition, with greats such as Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. They have won the Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship and are regular contenders at ICC events.
Coach: Shukri Conrad (Tests), Ashwell Prince (Test batting coach), Piet Botha (Test bowling coach), JP Duminy (white-ball batting coach), Eric Simons (white-ball bowling coach)
Captain: Temba Bavuma (Tests, ODIs), Aiden Markram (T20Is)
Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka begin a seven-match ODI tri-series on October 18, with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore serving as preparation for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Kagiso Rabada is closing in on a return for South Africa’s second Test against Australia after missing the opener with a hamstring injury. Australia assistant coach Matthew Wade has warned that the fast bowler’s aggression and competitiveness will pose a serious challenge.
Joburg Super Kings have appointed South African fast-bowling legend Allan Donald as their bowling coach ahead of SA20 2027. Donald will join head coach Albie Morkel’s staff as the franchise reshapes its coaching group for the upcoming season.
Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock has urged cricket teams to consider using the pink ball in daytime Test matches when bad light threatens playing time. His proposal, highlighted during the Australia–South Africa Test in Durban, has reignited debate over tradition, visibility and the ICC
Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma have won the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for September 2026. Gill claimed his fifth monthly award after a record-breaking ODI double-century, while Shafali was recognised for her influential performances in the Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics as the country prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Ahmedabad is at the centre of India’s proposed Olympic and Paralympic Games vision.
