Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and his teammates will take part in the annual Pink Day event dedicated to supporting cancer fighters. As part of this campaign, players will wear the names of people who have survived cancer on their playing jerseys.
Proteas superstar Aiden Markram eagerly awaits his international return as part of the annual Pink Day match against Australia at the Wanderers stadium on Sunday. Markram had not played for Proteas since the T20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in March, but on this day he will once again be in pink.
The 31-year-old player is expected to take a place in the Proteas squad instead of Ryan Rickelton, who was excused from the Sunday match for personal reasons. Before the second ODI, Markram stated in the media: 'Happy to be back. Yes, it's a little different. Firstly, because of the reason itself, and secondly, because there is always more buzz around Pink Day.'
He continued that from a player's perspective, it is pleasant to participate in such large events, but the primary focus is the cause itself. 'Many guys in our shirts, I am sure, just like the Australians, know that cancer is part of life, and the guys can share an understanding of what people go through. And when you can play for this cause, I think it's a great opportunity.'
The annual Pink Day match is a special day in the South African sporting calendar, providing Proteas Men with an opportunity to honor those battling breast cancer. After winning the first match of the series in Durban on Thursday, Proteas arrive in high spirits for Pink Day, as South Africa dresses up for a noble cause.
On Sunday, Proteas Men will launch the 'I Pitch Up in Pink For You' campaign, whereby every team member will take the field, replacing their surname on the back of the jersey with the name of a breast cancer fighter or survivor. For Proteas, pink means more than just the color of their uniform; it symbolizes every fighter, every survivor, and every loved one who stood by them.
Returning Proteas star player Aiden Markram was particularly delighted to return to international cricket as part of this famous match. For some members of the Proteas family, this connection holds a particularly personal significance. The mother of veteran batsman David Miller, Jenny, will be one of the honored survivors, and her name will be on her son's jersey.
Tasmin Brits from Proteas Women will also pay tribute to her mother, Zelden, on Sunday, and Aiden Markram will wear her name on his back. In South Africa, breast cancer affects not only women—1% of men suffer from this disease. Therefore, one of the jerseys will be dedicated to Simon, a male survivor whose name will proudly be displayed on Tristan Stubbs' back.
Each survivor will be mentioned during the broadcast on the day when not only cricket, but also the courage shown by many people is celebrated. For Temba Bavuma and his team, taking this stance and reiterating support for cricket for those facing personal battles is an integral part of the collective and inclusive spirit inherent in the Proteas dressing room.
Pink Day has become an important tradition for Cricket South Africa and the Wanderers stadium. Every year, fans fill 'The Bullring' with pink, not only celebrating the wide community but also supporting those who have survived and inspire others to fight breast cancer.
This match has also often showcased the best of Proteas on the field, with memorable innings, wickets, and victories over the years. After an exciting first ODI in Durban, Proteas hopes to conclude the series on the first attempt, demonstrating a game as beautiful as it is pink.
The list of players' names for Pink Day 2026 includes: Temba Bavuma (No. 11, Name: Agnes Munien), Corbin Bosch (37, Mbali Khoza), Matthew Britzke (35, Norma Mbali), Gerald Kotze (62, Maritsa Salinger), Quinton De Kock (12, Minke Maris), Tony De Zorzi (33, Charmaine de Witt), Bjorn Fortuin (77, Elsa-Marie Van der Lille), Duane Jansen (49, Lynn Zurdoki), Marco Jansen (70, Gwen Taban), Keshav Maharaja (16, Nono Zwan), Aiden Markram (4, Zelden Brits), David Miller (10, Jenny Miller), Nkobani Mokoena (21, Marlin Pretorius), Tristan Stubbs (30, Simon Hewitt) and Lizad Williams (6, Linah Mokoena).
