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

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-09

South Africa's cricket fans are in for a treat – and a bit of a nail-biter. The first Test against Australia at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban kicks off on October 9, 2026, and the home side has made a bold call. Captain Temba Bavuma announced the playing XI on October 8, and the big news? Kagiso Rabada is out, and Anrich Nortje is back. Let's break it down. ### Kagiso Rabada Sidelined with Hamstring Injury Rabada, one of the world's premier fast bowlers, is still recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up during winter training back in June 2026. He hasn't played competitive cricket since turning out for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League in May. His last Test appearance was during South Africa's tour of Pakistan in October 2025. But here's the thing: Rabada was a hero in South Africa's World Test Championship final victory over Australia at Lord's in June 2025, where he took nine wickets. So his absence is a massive blow. He did return to bowling in an intra-squad practice match last weekend and had a training session at Kingsmead on Thursday. However, captain Bavuma decided not to risk him. "He's under the complete care of team doctors until they give the green light," Bavuma said. The hope is that Rabada will be fit for the second Test in Gqeberha, starting October 18. ### Anrich Nortje's Comeback: Express Pace Returns After more than three and a half years away from Test cricket, Anrich Nortje is back. His last Test was against the West Indies in March 2023. The 32-year-old pacer built up his match fitness in the European T20 Premier League in the Netherlands and Ireland last month. Nortje was clocked bowling deliveries exceeding 93 mph (150 km/h) during net sessions on Wednesday. Bavuma didn't hold back his praise: "He's a genuine X-factor bowler." But there's a caveat – Nortje has a history of back stress fractures, so the medical staff will monitor his workload closely. ### South Africa's Tactical Bowling Selections South Africa has gone with two specialist spinners: Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner 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. The fast bowling unit includes Marco Jansen, seam-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, and Nortje. Mulder was chosen ahead of Corbin Bosch because he offers stronger batting depth at number six. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne bats at number seven. ### Top-Order Batting and Match Context South Africa's opening pair is Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. David Bedingham comes in at number three, with captain Temba 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. > "We're ready to fight. Australia is a top side, but we've shown we can compete." – Temba Bavuma ### What This Means for the Series With Rabada out, South Africa's bowling attack leans heavily on Nortje's pace and the spinners' guile. Australia, the current World Test Championship points table leaders, will be looking to exploit any weakness. But if Nortje fires and the batsmen step up, South Africa could surprise. The first Test starts on October 9 at Kingsmead. The series then moves to Gqeberha and Cape Town. All eyes will be on Durban – and on Nortje's right arm.