South Africa have announced their ODI & T20I squads for the white-ball series against Pakistan, with Quinton de Kock making a comeback.
Quinton de Kock reverses ODI retirement
In a surprise announcement, Quinton de Kock returned to South Africa's ODI setup, and has also been named in their T20I squad for their tour of Pakistan later this year. De Kock announced his retirement from 50-overs cricket following the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, and hasn't played T20I since South Africa's loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
Ahead of his retirement in 2023, de Kock had said "my body tells me I'm 40". He recently featured in the Caribbean Premier League for Barbados Royals.
Speaking about de Kock's return, coach Shukri Conrad said: "Quinton's return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us. When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team."
Aiden Markram sits out of white-ball series
With Markram resting from the white-ball series, Matthew Breetzkewill lead the ODI setup, while David Miller will captain the T20I side. Breetzke has played just six ODIs so far, but has made a record-breaking start to his career.
Markram is among several all-format players rested from the white-ball series, with a slew of changes in the squad that will face Namibia in a one-off T20I before the Pakistan series.
For the Namibia T20I, Donovan Ferreira will be leading the side.
South Africa T20I squad v Pakistan
David Miller (C), Quinton de Kock,Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams
South Africa ODI squad v Pakistan
Matthew Breetzke (C), Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Sinethemba Qeshile
South Africa T20I squad v Namibia
Donovan Ferreira (C), Lhuan-dre Pretorius,Quinton de Kock,Reeza Hendricks, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Nandre Burger, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams
South Africa will play three T20Is in October, followed by three ODIs in November. Their one-off T20I against Namibia precedes the Pakistan T20Is.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
