South Africa's Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Australia Test

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-04

South Africa's cricket team just can't catch a break right now. Tony de Zorzi, the 29-year-old batter, has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia with a hamstring injury. The match kicks off Friday, October 9, at Kingsmead in Durban, and it's a tough blow for a squad already stretched thin. Here's the thing that makes this sting even more: De Zorzi is the fifth South African player to deal with hamstring trouble in just the past two months. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, and Kwena Maphaka have all battled the same issue. What's interesting? The four before him are all fast bowlers. De Zorzi is the first batter in this unfortunate club. ### How the Injury Happened De Zorzi tweaked his hamstring while fielding against Australia in the third ODI in Potchefstroom. Cricket South Africa called it "mild" in a Saturday statement, but mild or not, he's still missing the series opener. The 29-year-old left the field during Australia's innings and never came out to bat as South Africa chased 323. That match wrapped up the one-day series, and now attention shifts to the red-ball format. ### Marques Ackerman Gets His Shot With De Zorzi sidelined, Marques Ackerman suddenly has a real opportunity to make his Test debut in Durban. The No. 3 batter earned his spot through some serious runs for South Africa A, including a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A. He hasn't played a Test yet, but that could change very soon. Word is Ackerman is in the mix for the final XI alongside Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, and David Bedingham, who could slot in at No. 5. ### What's the Plan for Rabada and the Others? CSA named an extended 18-player preliminary squad and hasn't replaced De Zorzi at this stage. The final 15-man group will be decided early next week. Rabada's situation is still up in the air. He hurt himself during winter training but is part of the preliminary squad. South Africa will make a call on his availability after a two-day intra-squad match starting Sunday. He's been ramping up his training workload ahead of that. As for Ngidi, Maphaka, and Baartman? They won't be considered for any part of this series. All three are expected back for the home summer, which includes tours by Bangladesh and England. ### Bavuma's Honest Take Captain Temba Bavuma didn't sugarcoat things. He said the injuries have disrupted the team's plans, but frustration won't change reality. He mentioned the squad has been in constant contact with the medical team, who are doing everything they can. "Another player now has the opportunity to step in and perform when required," Bavuma noted. It's the kind of perspective you'd expect from a leader trying to keep his team focused. Ngidi, meanwhile, spoke at the launch of the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on Thursday. He said he's already back running and described his recovery as "so far, so good." He didn't share specifics about the injury, saying he wasn't allowed to. ### What's Next? The first Test runs from October 9 to 13 at Kingsmead. South Africa will name their final squad early next week, and a decision on Rabada will follow the intra-squad match. It's a challenging moment for South African cricket, but as Bavuma pointed out, it's also a chance for someone new to step up. Sometimes that's how careers are born.