South Africa’s Test preparations have suffered a significant setback, with premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada facing a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before the Proteas begin their three-match home series against Australia on October 9.
Rabada picked up the injury around 10 days ago, leaving him fewer than six weeks to regain full fitness before the opening Test. South Africa are scheduled to play eight Tests during their home summer, making the availability of their leading red-ball bowler particularly important.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has yet to reveal the precise severity of the injury. However, a report in South African publication Rapport has raised concerns that Rabada could miss the entire Australia series.
Allan Donald raises injury cncerns
According to the report, former South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald believes Rabada may face an extended spell on the sidelines. Donald reportedly suggested that the pacer could be out for nine to 10 weeks if he has suffered a Grade 3 tear in his right hamstring.
Donald is no longer part of the national team setup but currently works as the bowling coach at the Lions, Rabada’s domestic franchise. The Lions had been hoping to have the fast bowler available for their opening four-day fixture of the season on September 10. However, they have reportedly been informed that Rabada will not be fit in time.
A clearer picture is expected once CSA’s medical team completes its assessment. The findings should determine the seriousness of the injury and provide a more accurate recovery timeline.
Kagiso Rabada’s Importance to South Africa
Rabada’s potential absence would represent a major blow to the Proteas. At 31, he remains one of the most accomplished fast bowlers in world Test cricket and a central figure in South Africa’s red-ball plans. His importance was particularly evident in the 2025 World Test Championship final against Australia, where he played a decisive role in South Africa’s triumph by claiming nine wickets.
The Proteas will therefore be eager to see whether Rabada can return at some stage of the Australia series, even if he is unable to take part in the opening Test. South Africa have, however, demonstrated that they can succeed without their spearhead. Rabada missed their most recent Test series in India because of a rib injury, yet the Proteas still secured a notable series victory on Indian soil.
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Pace department to fulfill major responsibility
If Rabada is ruled out, South Africa are likely to rely heavily on Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch. Kwena Maphaka, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder could also provide additional options for the selectors.
Another possibility is the return of Anrich Nortje to the Test setup. The fast bowler, currently featuring in the ETPL, has not played a Test since March 2023. Although he is not centrally contracted, Nortje was expected to feature in South Africa’s home series against Pakistan in early 2025 before an injury ended those hopes.
Gerald Coetzee could also come into contention after representing South Africa A against Bangladesh A in an unofficial Test series.
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