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

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-09

South Africa will open their three-match Test series against Australia without their spearhead, Kagiso Rabada. Captain Temba Bavuma named his XI on October 8, 2026, and the big news? Rabada's hamstring isn't ready. In his place, Anrich Nortje returns after more than three and a half years away from red-ball cricket. ### Rabada's Hamstring: A Cautious Call Rabada hasn't played competitive cricket since May, when he turned out for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. His last Test was in October 2025 against Pakistan. The injury? A hamstring strain picked up during winter training in June 2026. He bowled in an intra-squad practice match last weekend and trained at Kingsmead on Thursday. But Bavuma isn't taking chances. "He's in the complete care of our medical team until they clear him," the captain said. The hope is Rabada returns for the second Test in Gqeberha, starting October 18. ### Nortje's Express Pace Returns Nortje last played a Test in March 2023 against the West Indies. Since then, back stress fractures have kept him out. But the 32-year-old built up his fitness in the European T20 Premier League last month. In Wednesday's net session, Nortje regularly clocked over 93 mph (150 km/h). Bavuma called him an "X-factor bowler." The medical staff will monitor his workload closely, but his raw pace is a welcome boost. ### Spinning a New Web South Africa picked two specialist spinners: Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. Harmer comes in for Lungi Ngidi, who also has a hamstring issue. Maharaj and Harmer last bowled together in a Test against India in November 2025. ### Batting Order and Bench Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton open. David Bedingham bats at three, followed by Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs. Wiaan Mulder edges out Corbin Bosch for the number six spot because of his stronger batting. Kyle Verreynne keeps wicket at seven. On the bench: Marques Ackermann, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, and Rabada. ### What This Means for the Series This is South Africa's first home Test against Australia since 2018. They beat Australia 2-1 in the recent ODI series, so confidence is high. But without Rabada, the bowling attack leans on Nortje's pace and the spin duo. Bavuma's message is clear: no risks with Rabada's health. If all goes well, he'll be back for the second Test. Until then, Nortje has a chance to remind everyone why he's one of the fastest bowlers in the world.