South African cricketer David Bedingham has been omitted from the Proteas squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. His exclusion follows two critical errors in the last Test against Australia, where he was caught on the boundary in both innings at Newlands while playing the pull shot. Bedingham had been shifted to No 3 for the first time in his career and had previously made a pair of forties in the first Test, a first-ball duck in Gqeberha, and then 50 and 11 in Cape Town.
Bedingham's omission is a significant decision by the selectors, who have shown a willingness to act decisively if players do not perform. This move follows the earlier exclusion of Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne after South Africa's defeat to Australia in the first Test. Even Keshav Maharaj, the Proteas' most successful Test spinner, was left out for the second and third Tests in favor of Simon Harmer. These decisions proved correct as the Proteas produced a remarkable turnaround to defeat Australia 2-1.
The South Africa Men's selection panel has announced a 15-player squad for the Bangladesh series, which will take place later this month. Tony de Zorzi, who has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the last ODI against Australia on September 30, has been formally included in the squad. Additionally, Zubayr Hamza has been called up as the Proteas continue to seek a solution to the troublesome No 3 spot.
Hamza has been in excellent form for his province, the Lions, and continued to score runs when included for the South Africa A team. He was part of the squad that toured Pakistan last year and played the last of his eight Tests during the "C-team" tour to New Zealand in 2024. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad stated that Hamza's inclusion gives the team further depth in the top order.
Anrich Nortje has recovered from his groin injury and has been recalled to the 15-man squad, while Gerald Coetzee has been omitted. Lungi Ngidi will continue with his rehabilitation program after injuring his hamstring before the international season. The first of two Tests against Bangladesh will be played at the Wanderers from November 15, with the second starting at SuperSport Park on November 23.
Bangladesh, who recently beat Australia in Darwin in August, will be a formidable opponent for the Proteas. Their seam bowlers will relish bowling on the fast and bouncy surfaces on the Highveld. Conrad emphasized that the Proteas need to be wary of the Tigers, stating that every Test series becomes the biggest Test series of the summer.
Despite Bangladesh's recent inconsistencies, having lost to Zimbabwe and the West Indies this year, Conrad believes they will come to South Africa with a lot of confidence. The team has recently appointed former Proteas assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa to their coaching staff, with a specific view to this month's tour of South Africa. The Proteas squad for the Bangladesh series includes Temba Bavuma, 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, and Ryan Rickelton.
Key points
- David Bedingham omitted from Proteas squad for Bangladesh series after errors against Australia
- Zubayr Hamza recalled to Proteas squad for Bangladesh series
- Proteas to face Bangladesh in two-match Test series later this month
