Kagiso Rabada has not participated in any form of cricket since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League in May, following his hamstring injury during winter training. This injury prevented him from participating in the subsequent ODI series against Australia. Despite being a member of South Africa’s Test team for the Australia matches, the fast bowler was excluded from the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, which concluded on October 13, 2026.
Kagiso Rabada‘s withdrawal from the initial Test was managed as a precautionary measure, as per Captain Temba Bavuma. This decision allowed the bowler to have additional time to recuperate prior to the second Test, which is scheduled to commence in Gqeberha on October 18, 2026.
Anrich Nortje made his first appearance in Test cricket since March 2023 when he assumed Kagiso Rabada’s position in the opening Test.
In the initial encounter, Nortje bowled 40 overs in both innings, surpassing the contributions of other speed bowlers, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder.
South Africa’s team for the Australia series comprises seven fast bowlers: Jansen, Mulder, Rabada, Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, and Dane Paterson. Additional pace bowlers are still unavailable for the Australia Tests.
Also Read : Temba Bavuma as Test Captain: All Wins, Losses and Statistics
Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, and Otteneil Baartman are expected to participate in the South African summer at a later date after recuperating from hamstring injuries. The Proteas endeavored to regain their footing following Australia’s dominant performance in the opening Test when the series resumed in Gqeberha.
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