South Africa have named an expanded 18-man squad for their upcoming Test series against Australia, with Marques Ackerman receiving his maiden call-up. The left-hander has impressed for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa A over the past two years and has earned his place after a strong run of performances in first-class cricket.

Anrich Nortje also returns to the Test setup after last playing red-ball cricket for South Africa in 2023. The Proteas have several concerns in their pace department, with Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman and Kwena Maphaka continuing their rehabilitation from hamstring injuries.

Marques Ackerman earns maiden Test call-up

Ackerman is the only uncapped player in the squad after producing impressive performances for both his province and South Africa A. The left-hander scored a century in England earlier this year before following it up with a double century against Bangladesh A last month.

His inclusion adds another batting option to a squad that features captain Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs. Kyle Verreynne is also part of the group as another wicketkeeping option.

Anrich Nortje returns after three-year Test absence

Nortje last played a Test in 2023, which was also Shukri Conrad’s first match as Proteas head coach. He has taken 70 wickets in 19 Tests but subsequently stepped away from his national contract to focus on T20 cricket. The fast bowler was later considered for a return to Test cricket before a broken toe suffered while training with the Proteas T20 side ruled him out of selection.

His return comes at an important time for South Africa, with several frontline fast bowlers unavailable. Gerald Coetzee has also been recalled to the squad after his last Test appearance came two years ago, while veteran seamer Dane Paterson adds further experience to the pace-bowling group.

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Kagiso Rabada included as South Africa assess their options

Kagiso Rabada has been named despite still being in the recovery phase from his hamstring injury. South Africa will hold a training camp in Durban, featuring a two-day intra-squad match and scenario-based sessions, before finalising their 15-man squad. The expanded group gives the selectors several options across batting, pace and spin ahead of the series opener.

Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy provide three spin options, while Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Coetzee, Paterson, Nortje and Rabada strengthen the pace department. The first Test against Australia will begin at Kingsmead on October 9.

South Africa Test squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.

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