Rabada Out, Nortje Back: South Africa's Bold Gamble for First Australia Test

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-09

South Africa's first Test against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban is almost here. The three-match World Test Championship series starts on October 9, 2026. But the big news? Kagiso Rabada won't be playing the opener. Captain Temba Bavuma announced his XI on October 8, and it's a mix of caution and confidence. ### Why Rabada is Sitting Out Kagiso Rabada is still recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up during winter training back in June 2026. He hasn't played any competitive cricket since representing Gujarat Titans in the IPL in May. His last Test was in October 2025 against Pakistan. Rabada did return to bowling in an intra-squad practice match last weekend. He even trained at Kingsmead on Thursday. But Bavuma and the team doctors decided not to risk him. "He's in the complete care of our medical staff until they give the green light," Bavuma said. The hope is Rabada will be ready for the second Test in Gqeberha, starting October 18. ### Anrich Nortje's Long-Awaited Return Anrich Nortje is back in the Test squad after more than three and a half years. His last red-ball match was against the West Indies in March 2023. The 32-year-old pacer built up his fitness in the European T20 Premier League in the Netherlands and Ireland last month. In Wednesday's net session, Nortje was consistently clocking over 93 mph (150 km/h). Bavuma called him a "genuine X-factor bowler." But given Nortje's history of back stress fractures, the medical team will keep a close eye on his workload. > "Anrich brings raw pace and a different dimension to our attack. We'll manage him carefully, but he's ready to go." – Temba Bavuma ### South Africa's Tactical Bowling Line-up South Africa have gone with two specialist spinners: Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. Harmer comes in for fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who is also out with a hamstring injury. Maharaj and Harmer last bowled together in a Test against India in November 2025. Marco Jansen and seam-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder complete the pace attack alongside Nortje. Selectors picked Mulder over Corbin Bosch because he offers stronger batting depth at number six. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne slots in at seven. ### Batting Order and Match Context The top order features Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton as openers. David Bedingham comes in at three, with captain Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs at four and five. On the bench: Marques Ackermann, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, and Rabada. This series is the first Test meeting between South Africa and Australia on South African soil since the 2017/18 tour. South Africa recently beat Australia 2-1 in a three-match ODI series, so confidence is high. ### What This Means for the Series Losing Rabada is a blow, but Nortje's return adds serious pace. The spinners give control. And the batting has depth. South Africa are aiming for a strong start in Durban before the series moves to Gqeberha and Cape Town. Australia, currently top of the World Test Championship points table, won't make it easy. But with a balanced attack and home conditions, South Africa fancy their chances. One thing's for sure: this series just got a lot more interesting.