South Africa's Test Plans Hit Another Snag Before Australia

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-04

South Africa's batting order just took a hit they didn't need. Tony de Zorzi is out of the first Test against Australia with a hamstring injury, and the timing couldn't be worse. The match kicks off Friday, October 9, at Kingsmead in Durban. It's the opener of Australia's tour of South Africa, and the hosts are already scrambling. ### What Happened to De Zorzi? De Zorzi tweaked his hamstring while fielding during the third ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom. He left the field during Australia's innings and never came out to bat as South Africa chased 323. Cricket South Africa called the injury "mild" in a Saturday statement. Mild or not, it's enough to keep him out of the series opener. The 29-year-old will watch from the sidelines as his teammates take on the Aussies. ### This Is Becoming a Pattern Here's where it gets concerning. De Zorzi is the fifth South African player to deal with hamstring trouble in the past two months. - Kagiso Rabada - Lungi Ngidi - Ottneil Baartman - Kwena Maphaka - Tony de Zorzi The first four are all fast bowlers. De Zorzi is the first batter on that list, which raises questions about whether this is bad luck or something more systematic. ### Who Steps In? CSA named an extended 18-player preliminary squad and hasn't replaced De Zorzi yet. The final 15-man group will be decided early next week. With De Zorzi out, Marques Ackerman has a real shot at making his Test debut in Durban. The No. 3 batter earned his spot through strong performances for South Africa A, including a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A. He's never played a Test for South Africa. Ackerman could slot into the final XI alongside Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, and David Bedingham, who might bat at No. 5. ### Rabada Still in Limbo Rabada hurt himself during winter training but is part of the preliminary squad. His availability for Durban depends on how he comes through a two-day intra-squad match starting Sunday. He's been ramping up his training workload ahead of that. Captain Temba Bavuma didn't hide his frustration. He said the injuries have disrupted the team's plans but acknowledged that being frustrated won't change anything. He added that the squad has been in touch with the medical team, who are doing everything they can. "Another player now has the opportunity to step in and perform when required," Bavuma said. ### Ngidi, Maphaka, and Baartman Out for the Series Ngidi, Maphaka, and Baartman won't be considered for any part of the Australia series. All three are expected to be ready for the home summer, which includes tours by Bangladesh and England. Ngidi spoke at the launch of the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on Thursday and said he's already back running. He didn't share details about the extent of his injury, saying he isn't allowed to. His recovery, in his words, is "so far, so good." Those comments came two days before CSA confirmed De Zorzi's injury. ### What's Next for South Africa? The final squad will be named early next week. A decision on Rabada will follow the intra-squad match. The first Test begins at Kingsmead on Friday. South Africa will need to dig deep. Australia doesn't wait for anyone, and a patched-up lineup facing them is never an easy task. But as Bavuma pointed out, injuries create opportunities. Someone just has to grab one.