Durban, Oct 9:
South Africa will begin their three-Test series against Australia without premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has been rested for the opening match because of a hamstring injury.
Rabada sustained the injury in June and has been working towards full fitness. Although he has returned to training with the squad, captain Temba Bavuma said the team had decided against rushing the pace spearhead back into competitive action. Rabada could return for the second Test, scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on October 18.
South Africa have included Anrich Nortje, who returns to red-ball cricket after more than three years, as they reshape their pace attack. The team will also rely on spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, with conditions at Kingsmead potentially offering assistance as the match progresses.
The opening Test at Durban marks another chapter in the rivalry between South Africa and Australia, whose previous encounters have included the controversial 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Both teams will be keen to focus on their cricket as they begin the series.
South Africa will look to their home conditions and bowling depth to offset Rabada’s absence, while Australia will seek to exploit any uncertainty in the hosts’ attack. The three-Test series is scheduled to run through October 31.