There are a few new faces in the Proteas’ ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia. This includes captain Temba Bavuma, who had picked up a hamstring injury while leading South Africa to a historic World Test Championship title in London back in July.

Teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka was also a late addition to the squad after initially being selected only for the three-match T20 International series.

Dewald Brevis. Photo: Cricinfo

Bavuma said the break was welcome after the WTC final at Lord’s, but he’s glad to be back in the mix and ready to get down to business.

“It’s been a bit busy back home, just getting used to all the appreciation and how things have been a bit different,” said Bavuma. “I also had some time away from the game to get my body strong again. But we’re looking forward to the games ahead. It’s always good to be in Australia again, so I’m quite looking forward to the next few days.

“The hamstring is fine, and it’s really just a matter of continuing to look after it, with a lot more rehab than usual, but everything feels good.”

Bavuma added that it has been exciting to see what the younger players have achieved with extended opportunities at the international level.

“It’s always exciting to see the young faces. Obviously, there’s been a lot of talk about someone like Dewald Brevis, who’s really put his hand up and shown what he’s capable of. I’m excited to see what he can bring in the ODI format.

“And then there are guys like Kwena Maphaka, who’s been added to the squad, and Lhuan-Dré Pretorius, who we’re getting to know better. Someone like Prenelan Subrayen has also come into the squad. So, similar to the T20 series, it’s a bit of an exploration to see where the guys fit best. More importantly, we want to find our strongest XI.”

Kwena Maphaka. Photo: Cricinfo

Regarding the upcoming series, Bavuma said he will rely on the experience of the players who featured in Saturday’s third and final T20 International, which Australia won by two wickets with just one ball to spare.

“The wicket is a little slower than what we’re used to, but we’ll just assess and adapt on the day and try to play the best cricket for the conditions. I had a look at the wicket and the field – it’s a bit bigger than what I’m used to, so probably a lot of running from my side. But it looks like a good wicket, and it was a good game of cricket in that last T20 match.”

The first ODI between Australia and South Africa in Cairns is scheduled to start at 06:30 on Tuesday (19/8).

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs