South Africa to decide on Rabada's Test availability as late as possible
Rabada's fitness will be assessed through the week with a final call expected close to the Durban Test.
South Africa will delay a decision on Kagiso Rabada's availability for the first Test against Australia. Batting coach Ashwell Prince said Rabada will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness before the series opener on Friday.
Rabada has not played competitive cricket since the Indian Premier League in May and has been recovering from an aggravated hamstring injury. He returned to action in a two-day intra-squad match on Sunday and Monday.
South Africa have retained a 17-player squad after Tony de Zorzi was withdrawn with a hamstring problem. The Proteas want to be certain Rabada can handle the demands of a Test match before confirming his inclusion.
CricHubb Take
South Africa's cautious approach reflects concern about Rabada's lack of sustained red-ball cricket in the past year.