Rabada Out, Nortje Returns: South Africa's Pace Gamble for Australia Test

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-09

South Africa's first Test against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban is just hours away, and the hosts have made a bold call. Kagiso Rabada, their premier fast bowler, will miss the series opener. In his place, Anrich Nortje returns after more than three and a half years in the Test wilderness. Captain Temba Bavuma named his XI on October 8, 2026. The three-match World Test Championship series begins on October 9. It's the first time these two rivals have met in a Test on South African soil since 2018. ### Why Rabada Is Sitting Out Rabada suffered a hamstring injury 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 was on South Africa's tour of Pakistan in October 2025. He did return to bowling in an intra-squad practice match last weekend. He also completed a training session at Kingsmead on Thursday. But Bavuma and the medical team decided not to risk further damage. "He's in the complete care of the team doctors until they give the green light," Bavuma said. The hope is that Rabada will be fit for the second Test in Gqeberha, which starts October 18. ### Nortje's Express Pace Is Back Anrich Nortje last played a Test against the West Indies in March 2023. The 32-year-old built up his match fitness in the European T20 Premier League in the Netherlands and Ireland last month. In net sessions on Wednesday, Nortje regularly bowled deliveries exceeding 93 mph (150 km/h). Bavuma called him a "genuine X-factor bowler." But there's a catch: Nortje has a history of back stress fractures, so the medical staff will monitor his workload closely. ### Spinners and All-Rounders Fill the Gaps South Africa picked two specialist spinners: Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner Simon Harmer. Harmer comes in for fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who also has 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. Mulder got the nod over Corbin Bosch because he offers stronger batting depth at number six. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne bats at seven. ### The Batting Line-Up Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton open the batting. David Bedingham comes in at three. Captain Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs fill the middle order at four and five. On the bench: Marques Ackermann, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, and Rabada. ### What This Means for the Series South Africa beat Australia 2-1 in a recent ODI series, so confidence is high. But losing Rabada for the first Test is a blow. Nortje's return adds raw pace, but his fitness is a question mark. The spinners will need to tie down Australia's strong batting line-up. Australia sits atop the World Test Championship points table. South Africa will need every ounce of home advantage to start strong in Durban. This series is about more than just one match. It's a chance for South Africa to prove they can compete with the best without their spearhead. Nortje's comeback story adds intrigue. Will his pace be enough? We'll find out soon.