South Africa have named their playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh (15 November 2026) at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Temba Bavuma will captain Proteas as they open the two-Test home series against Bangladesh.
The team was announced on Proteas Men social media account on November 14. The XI includes international stars as well as young players like Zubayr Hamza and Dane Paterson.
South Africa's Confirmed Playing XI
South Africa have named the following 11 players for the first Test:
South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, Zubayr Hamza, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson.
Bavuma will bat at the top of the order and Markram and Ackerman are expected to form the opening pair, Hamza provides another option in the middle order while Breetzke and Rickelton provide further batting depth.
Zubayr Hamza Returns to the Playing XI
One of the talking points in South Africa’s selection is Zubayr Hamza. He has earned his place in the side after being considered for the middle-order spot.
Hamza is expected to bolster the batting line-up at No. 3. He gives South Africa another chance to build a stable partnership at the top of the middle order.
Temba Bavuma will be a key figure in the batting department as they aim to make a good start at home.
Dane Paterson Strengthens the Bowling Attack
Dane Paterson is another inclusion in the confirmed XI. He returns and gives SA an experienced pace bowler for the opening Test.
Paterson adds to Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in the pace department. Wiaan Mulder is an all-rounder as well so the team has flexibility with bat and ball.
Simon Harmer has been picked as the specialist spinner. His experience and ability to control the middle overs could be valuable as the match goes on.
Playing XI For The First Dafabet Test! 🚨 #TheProteas captain, Temba Bavuma, announces the playing XI for tomorrow’s first Test against the Tigers! 🇿🇦 #Unbreakable #SAvBAN https://t.co/guCDjJJC0V
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 14, 2026
South Africa vs Bangladesh: First Test Schedule
The first Test will be played at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from November 15 to 19 while the second match of the series is scheduled to be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23 to 27.
The Wanderers is known for its pace friendly conditions and bounce so South Africa’s fast bowlers will have an advantage there. Bangladesh batters need to adapt quickly and deal with the challenge of playing against a strong home pace attack.
Proteas Look for a Strong Start
South Africa will be looking to start the series on a winning note in front of home fans. Rabada, Jansen and Paterson are among several bowlers available for the hosts who will look to put pressure on Bangladesh.
The opening Test will be a chance for Bangladesh to compete in tough overseas conditions. Their experienced players will have to contribute consistently if they are going to trouble the Proteas.
Now the playing XI is in place we move on to the opening day at the Wanderers where both teams will be looking to take control early in the series.
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