South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will miss the first Test of the three-match series against Australia in Durban as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered in June. Rabada trained with the team at Kingsmead on Thursday, and South Africa are hopeful he will still have a part to play in the second and third Tests, the first of which in Gqeberha starts on October 18.
Instead, South Africa have opted for two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, while Anrich Nortje earns a surprise selection. The series opener starts on Friday and is live on Sky Sports Cricket from 7.30am (play starts 8.30am). South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the decision was not an easy one and that the team took a conservative route to give Rabada extra days to reach full fitness. He expects Rabada to start once the medical team gives the green light.
Bavuma described the 32-year-old Nortje, who has not played first-class cricket for more than three years, as having an "X factor" that is hard to ignore, noting few bowlers consistently reach 150 kph. He also praised the spin pairing of Harmer and Maharaj, saying they add another dimension to the attack when conditions favour spinners.
Australia, who have yet to name their team, are considering the recall of batter Nic Maddinson. The 34-year-old, who has not played first-class cricket since March 2025, was a late addition to the touring squad after injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis. Former opener Matthew Hayden criticised the call-up, calling it a promotion of mediocrity.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing