Malibongwe Maketa, who is currently the South Africa A coach and National Academy lead, will take charge of the Proteas’ test squad from December until early January as they prepare to face Australia in their penultimate series of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

South Africa are second on the table behind Australia following two series wins, one loss and one draw in the second cycle of the WTC.

The 42-year-old steps into the role after being part of South Africa’s most recent test tour of England, where he worked as a consultant during the four-day warm-up match against the England Lions and the triumphant first test at Lord’s in August.

He also served as assistant head coach to the Proteas from 2017-19.

“We are pleased to name Malibongwe as our interim coach to lead the Proteas in Australia,” said director of cricket Enoch Nkwe. “He is a familiar face to the environment and has worked in the same space previously when he served as assistant coach.

“Mali knows most of the players well, they know him too, and with such a short time between now and the tour, we as Cricket South Africa felt we needed someone who could step in immediately and lead us through what is an important series for the Proteas.

“We would like to wish him well on his appointment. He has our full support, and we have no doubt he will do South Africans proud in this series.”

Australia vs Proteas test series fixtures:

• December 17-21: The Gabba, Brisbane.
• December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne.
• January 4-8: SCG, Sydney.