South Africa return to Test action against Bangladesh later this month (November 2026).

The Proteas lead the ICC Test rankings, but are not leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

Here’s why the first Test at the Wanderers from 15-19 November could be pivotal.

World Test #1 still second in WTC

South Africa’s loss in the first Test against Australia saw them dip to third in the WTC standings.

The Proteas bounced back masterfully to eventually win the series 2-1.

This also pushed them to the top of the ICC’s Men’s Test Team Rankings.

After the third Test at Newlands, Australia dropped to third in the WTC behind South Africa.

New Zealand have now jumped to the top of the table with a marginal lead.

The Black Caps start their Test series against India a few days after the Proteas and Bangladesh.

This means that a win by South Africa will knock New Zealand to second place.

However, the home team still has to navigate past a Bangladesh team that has caused some upsets.

The Tigers are fifth in the WTC standings behind fourth-placed India, and took a win off Australia during their past series.

PROTEAS announce squad for Bangladesh Tests

South Africa’s squad for the Bangladesh Test series was released on 2 November.

Tony de Zorzi returns after missing the Australia series with a hamstring injury.

Anrich Nortje is back in the mix after leaving the second Test against the Aussies.

Zubayr Hamza also returns, having last played a Test for the Proteas in February 2024.

David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, and Gerald Coetzee have been dropped for the series.

Coetzee was drafted into the squad in place of Nortje for the third Australia Test.

Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi is still out as he works back to fitness after a hamstring injury, according to the ICC.

The full squad list is as follows:

Temba Bavuma (captain, 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, Ryan Rickelton.

The playing XI will be announced closer to the first Test.

Proteas vs Bangladesh: Fixture details

First Test: 15-19 November at the Wanderers in Johannesburg

Second Test: 23-27 November at Centurion Park in Centurion

Details are correct according to Cricket South Africa.

South Africa also play three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh in December.

HOW IMPORTANT WILL THE PROTEAS VS BANGLADESH SERIES BE?

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