South Africa's Test Plans Hit by Another Injury Blow

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-04

South Africa's batting lineup just took a hit they didn't need. Tony de Zorzi is out of the first Test against Australia with a hamstring injury, and honestly, this feels like déjà vu for a team that's been dealing with these issues all too often lately. The match starts Friday, October 9, at Kingsmead in Durban. It's part of Australia's tour of South Africa, and the first Test runs through October 13. ### How It Happened De Zorzi picked up the injury while fielding during the third ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom. Cricket South Africa called it a mild strain in a statement on Saturday, but mild or not, it's enough to keep him out of 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 the focus shifts to the red ball. ### The Hamstring Curse Continues Here's where it gets concerning. De Zorzi is now the fifth South African player to deal with hamstring trouble in the past two months. The others? Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, and Kwena Maphaka. All four are fast bowlers, which makes De Zorzi's case a bit different since he's a batter. Still, five hamstring injuries in eight weeks is a pattern worth paying attention to. Captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the frustration but kept things in perspective. > "The injuries have disrupted our plans, but being frustrated won't change anything," Bavuma said. "We've spoken with the medical team, and they're doing everything they can. Someone else now has an opportunity to step up." That's the kind of leadership you want from your captain, right? No panic, just focus on what's next. ### Marques Ackerman Gets His Shot With De Zorzi sidelined, Marques Ackerman suddenly has a real chance to make his Test debut in Durban. The No. 3 batter earned his spot in the squad through some impressive performances for South Africa A, including a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A. He hasn't played a Test yet, but he's reportedly in contention for a place in the final XI alongside Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, and David Bedingham, who could slot in at No. 5. ### What About Rabada and the Others? Rabada hurt himself during winter training but is still part of the preliminary squad. South Africa will decide on his availability for Durban after a two-day intra-squad match that starts Sunday. He's been ramping up his training workload to prepare. As for Ngidi, Maphaka, and Baartman? They won't be considered for any part of this series. All three are expected to return 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 kept details about his injury close to the vest, saying he's not allowed to share more. "So far, so good," was all he offered. ### What's Next for South Africa? The final squad will be named early next week, and a decision on Rabada's availability will follow the intra-squad match. The first Test kicks off at Kingsmead on Friday. South Africa's depth is about to be tested in a big way. With so many key players sidelined, this series against Australia could reveal who's ready to step up when it matters most.