Rabada ruled out as South Africa unveil squad for first Test against Australia

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia, starting on October 9 at Kingsmead, 24NewsHD TV reported on Thursday.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the medical team was closely monitoring Rabada’s recovery and hoped he would be available for the second Test, starting on October 18.

“We did go the conservative route and give him a couple of extra days to get as close as he can be to 100% fitness,” Bavuma said.

“He’s under their control. Obviously, as soon as he gets the green light, we expect him to be within that starting line-up,” he added. 

The 31-year-old pacer has not played competitive cricket since the Indian Premier League ended in May after suffering a hamstring injury during winter training.

Rabada bowled in South Africa’s intra-squad practice match last week and also took part in Thursday’s training session at Kingsmead.

However, the team management has decided not to rush him back, with the Proteas facing a busy home season featuring eight Test matches.

In Rabada’s absence, Anrich Nortje has been included in the playing XI.

The tall fast bowler will return to Test cricket for the first time since 2023.

Nortje, who is not centrally contracted with Cricket South Africa, has also had limited competitive bowling in recent seasons.

South Africa have also opted for two frontline spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, for the Kingsmead Test.

Bavuma said the pair could add another dimension to the bowling attack, particularly in favourable conditions.

“As much as we’ve always been about fast bowling, when conditions have allowed for spinners to come into the game, they’ve been able to play an effective role,” Bavuma said.

The pace attack will also feature Marco Jansen and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who was preferred to Corbin Bosch.

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Anrich Nortje.