South Africa pick Anrich Nortje for first Test against Australia

South Africa have named Anrich Nortje in their XI for the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead after Kagiso Rabada was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Nortje returns for his first Test since March 2023. Captain Temba Bavuma called the selection a calculated risk given Nortje's limited red-ball workload in recent years.

The Proteas have also included two spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, reflecting Kingsmead's recent tendency to assist spin. David Bedingham returns at number three after missing the current World Test Championship cycle.