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Anrich Nortje and Tony de Zorzi have returned to South Africa’s 15-man Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, while Zubayr Hamza has also earned a call-up.
The Proteas head into the series as the world’s No. 1-ranked Test team following their thrilling 2-1 series victory over Australia.
Temba Bavuma will once again captain the side as South Africa look to build on that success, with both matches scheduled to take place on the Highveld in November.
The first Test will be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from 15–19 November, before the teams move to SuperSport Park in Centurion for the second Test from 23–27 November.
Nortje and De Zorzi Return From Injury
The return of Anrich Nortje strengthens South Africa’s pace-bowling options after the fast bowler recovered from a groin injury that sidelined him for two weeks.
Nortje joins a seam attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and all-rounders Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder.
However, Lungi Ngidi remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation and was not considered for selection.
Tony de Zorzi also returns after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Australia series.
Meanwhile, Lions batter Zubayr Hamza has been included, providing another option in South Africa’s top order.
The squad also retains several players who featured in the historic series victory over Australia, including Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton and Simon Harmer.
Conrad Expects Bangladesh’s Seamers to Pose a Threat
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad believes South Africa must quickly shift their focus from the Australia triumph to the challenge awaiting them against Bangladesh.
“Coming off a hard fought series against Australia, our focus will be on carrying that momentum into the Bangladesh series, which is our next big assignment of the summer,” Conrad said.
The coach explained that conditions on the Highveld played an important role in the squad’s composition, with a particular emphasis on seam bowling.
“Traditionally, surfaces on the Highveld favours pace and bounce, although we have seen the Wanderers offer some assistance to spin in recent times. So with that in mind, there will be greater focus on our seam-bowling options.
“We know the threat Bangladesh pose and we expect their quicks to be very effective in Highveld conditions.”
Despite the emphasis on pace, South Africa have retained both Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj as specialist spin options.
Harmer enters the series following a remarkable performance at Newlands, where he claimed 10 wickets in the match, including 6/16 in Australia’s second innings.
Proteas Have More Batting Options
Conrad also welcomed the return of De Zorzi and the inclusion of Hamza as South Africa continue to assess their batting combinations.
“In terms of our batting options, it’s good to welcome Tony back following his recovery from injury, while Zubayr’s inclusion gives us further depth to our top order,” he said.
“The build-up to the first Test will give us the opportunity to assess our options and settle on the best combination for the conditions.”
The Proteas will be looking for greater consistency from their batting unit after a challenging series against Australia.
Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder in the second innings at Newlands proved crucial in South Africa’s series-clinching victory.
With De Zorzi and Hamza now available, Conrad faces further selection decisions ahead of the opening Test.
South Africa last hosted Bangladesh in a Test series in 2022, winning both matches to secure a 2-0 series victory.
The squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 November.
Proteas Squad for Bangladesh Test Series
South Africa vs Bangladesh Test Fixtures
1st Test
15–19 November 2026
South Africa vs Bangladesh
DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Start: 10:00 SAST
2nd Test
23–27 November 2026
South Africa vs Bangladesh
SuperSport Park, Centurion
Start: 10:00 SAST
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