South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad has selected Zubayr Hamza to start at No 3 in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Wanderers on Sunday. Hamza has not played a Test match since the "C-team" tour to New Zealand in 2024, where he scored 22, 36, 20, and 17. His recent performances in domestic cricket, including scores of over 50 for the Gauteng Lions in each of the past three seasons, earned him the nod over Tony de Zorzi.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma expressed confidence in Hamza's abilities, citing his aggressive batting style and experience playing for the Gauteng Lions. Since moving from Western Province to the Gauteng Lions in 2023, Hamza has played a crucial role in the team's two outright wins in the past three First Class competitions. He made a vital 100 in the final when they shared the trophy with the Titans in 2025.
The other change to the team that beat Australia by 176 runs at Newlands is the return of 37-year-old seamer Dane Paterson in place of Gerald Coetzee. Bavuma stated that the decision was based on who they felt was the better bowler for the conditions, with Paterson's fuller length and ability to target the stumps making him a better option. Corbin Bosch was also considered, but Bavuma felt Paterson's skills with the ball would provide a different type of challenge.
Bangladesh captain Najmal Hossain Shanto will name their starting team at the toss on Sunday, after assessing the Wanderers' pitch. The pitch is expected to provide assistance for South Africa's Simon Harmer from day four onwards, given the dry heat in Gauteng recently. Rain has been forecast for the first few days, which could hold the surface together, but both teams are expecting plenty of pace and bounce for the first three days.
Bangladesh are weighing up the option of including an extra batter in their starting team, due to the short turnaround since their series against the West Indies and the different conditions they will face. Their pace attack, led by Taskin Ahmed, is considered one of the best they have brought on any tour to South Africa. Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain will target the stumps, similar to Wiaan Mulder and Paterson.
The Proteas starting team for the first Test against Bangladesh includes Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, Zubayr Hamza, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, and Dane Paterson. Bangladesh's squad includes Najmal Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, Litton Das, Mahfijul Islam, Mohammad Naim, Mushifiqur Rahim, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Taskin Ahmed.
Key points
- Zubayr Hamza has been selected to start at No 3 in the first Test against Bangladesh, marking his return to Test cricket after eight Tests since 2024.
