South Africa to decide on Kagiso Rabada's availability for Australia Test as late as possible
South Africa will wait until the last possible moment before confirming whether Kagiso Rabada is fit for the first Test against Australia.
South Africa will wait as long as they can before deciding if Kagiso Rabada plays the first Test against Australia. Batting coach Ashwell Prince says the fast bowler will get every chance to prove his fitness.
Rabada hasn't played competitive cricket since the IPL in May. He's been recovering from an aggravated hamstring and returned only this week in a two-day intra-squad match. He got through that without major issues and will keep training with the squad.
The 31-year-old hasn't played a Test since last October's tour of Pakistan. South Africa want to be sure he can handle a full workload before they pick him.
CricHubb Take
Waiting this long leaves South Africa with almost no margin if Rabada breaks down in the first session — they'll either open with a bowler short on match practice or rush a late change they haven't prepared for.