Rabada set for South Africa return after Australia Test defeat

South Africa are hopeful that pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada will return for the second Test against Australia on Sunday after recovering from a hamstring injury, with captain Temba Bavuma looking for a strong response following a disappointing 214-run defeat in the series opener.

Rabada has been sidelined since playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League in May. He missed the first Test in Durban as a precaution while continuing his recovery from an injury sustained during training.

However, the 31-year-old has made encouraging progress, raising hopes that he could strengthen South Africa’s bowling attack for the second match in Gqeberha.

“KG (Rabada) looks good,” Bavuma said after the opening Test.

The captain noted that Rabada had been bowling during breaks in play and appeared in good spirits in the dressing room.

His absence from the first match was primarily precautionary, Bavuma explained, allowing the fast bowler additional time to regain full fitness.

Rabada’s possible return could put Anrich Nortje under pressure to make way, despite the latter’s successful comeback to Test cricket in Durban.

South Africa may also consider changes to their batting line-up after several players struggled in the series opener. Ryan Rickelton failed to reach double figures in either innings, while Tristan Stubbs and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne also endured difficult outings.

Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are among the pace-bowling alternatives available to the hosts. Uncapped batter Marques Ackermann and bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy could also enter the selection discussion after missing the opening match.

Despite the disappointing result, Bavuma indicated that sweeping changes were unlikely, stressing that the team continued to back the players selected for the first Test.

“The guys that you saw who took the field are guys that we have full confidence in,” he said.

However, the captain acknowledged that difficult conversations would be necessary as the team assessed its performance and considered possible adjustments.

He warned that players must deliver results to retain their places, particularly when other squad members are waiting for an opportunity.

South Africa’s immediate priority will be correcting the shortcomings that contributed to their heavy defeat and restoring confidence ahead of the second encounter.

Bavuma admitted that losing the opening match was a frustrating way to begin a series, especially against a strong Australian side.

“It’s not the way you want to start a series, any kind of series, let alone just against a top outfit like Australia,” he said.

The captain added that emotions remained high in the dressing room but insisted the team needed to assess its mistakes carefully before moving forward.

With Rabada potentially returning and selection decisions looming, South Africa will aim to produce a more disciplined performance in Gqeberha and level the series against Australia.

Squad

Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.

Series Schedule:

First Test: October 9-13, Durban (Australia won by 214 runs)

Second Test: October 18-22, Gqeberha

Third Test: October 27-31, Cape Town