Nortje returns after three years as Rabada misses out in South Africa’s XI vs Australia

South Africa have confirmed their playing XI for the opening Test against Australia in Durban, with Kagiso Rabada ruled out because of a hamstring injury and Anrich Nortje returning to the red-ball side for the first time in more than three years.

Rabada was given every chance to prove his fitness after bowling during training on Thursday, but South Africa opted not to risk the fast bowler. Captain Temba Bavuma said the decision was a cautious one, with the Proteas still hopeful that Rabada can return for the second Test in Gqeberha.

Rabada took part in training and bowled at the nets, although he was not operating at full intensity.

South Africa had delayed the final call on his availability, but the hamstring issue ultimately kept him out of the Durban Test.

Bavuma said Rabada was close to being considered for the opener but the team decided to give him additional time to recover fully.

“We did go the conservative route to give him a couple of extra days to get as close as he can be to 100 per cent fitness.”

The South African captain added that Rabada is expected to return to the XI once he receives the medical clearance.

While Rabada’s absence is a blow, South Africa have a major pace boost of their own with Nortje back in the Test team.

The 32-year-old last played a Test in March 2023 against the West Indies at Centurion. Since then, he has largely featured in limited-overs cricket and was recently part of the Rotterdam Dockers squad in the inaugural European T20 League.

Nortje’s raw pace ultimately earned him the nod ahead of Dane Paterson and Gerald Coetzee.

Bavuma highlighted the threat Nortje’s speed can create, particularly for Australia’s batters.

The captain acknowledged that Nortje does not have a large volume of red-ball overs behind him recently, but said his work with South Africa’s bowling coaches and his performances in the nets had impressed the team.

South Africa have gone with a balanced attack for the series opener.

Marco Jansen and Nortje are the two specialist pace bowlers, while Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner Simon Harmer provide the spin options.

Wiaan Mulder gives Bavuma an additional seam-bowling option and completes a five-man attack.

The batting unit features Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton at the top, followed by David Bedingham, Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs. Mulder and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne round out the lower middle order.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje.