Kagiso Rabada ruled out of first Australia Test
Kagiso Rabada remains unavailable for South Africa's first Test against Australia as Anrich Nortje returns to the XI.
Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the opening Test against Australia after South Africa confirmed their playing XI on Thursday. Rabada hurt his right hamstring in winter training and hasn't played since the IPL in May. The right-arm quick went through his paces at training, but the hosts opted for a conservative approach.
Anrich Nortje will lead the pace attack alongside Marco Jansen, while spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer complete the bowling attack. Nortje returns for his first Test since March 2023 after impressing in the nets. Captain Temba Bavuma said the team expects Rabada to be available for the second Test in Gqeberha.
The Durban Test will be the first meeting between the sides since the World Test Championship Final at Lord's in 2025. Australia currently sit top of the WTC standings, with South Africa in second.
CricHubb Take
Kingsmead's history of helping seamers early and spinners later is why South Africa are starting with both Maharaj and Harmer — they’re not just replacing Rabada, they’re picking a different kind of attack for this surface.