Kagiso Rabada Named in South Africa's 18-Man Squad for Australia Test Series Despite Injury
- Cricket South Africa named a preliminary 18-man squad for the three-match home Test series against Australia starting in October
- Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was included despite currently being sidelined with a hamstring injury
- Three seamers were recalled to the squad while three others were ruled out with hamstring problems of their own
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Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — Cricket South Africa has named an 18-man preliminary squad for the upcoming three-match home Test series against Australia, retaining fast bowler Kagiso Rabada despite his ongoing hamstring injury.
The squad was announced ahead of the group's scheduled assembly in Durban on 1 October, with the first Test set to begin on 9 October. The series will then move to Gqeberha from 18 to 22 October before concluding in Cape Town from 27 to 31 October, with all three venues expected to provide conditions favourable to the bowlers.
Kagiso Rabada retained, 3 seamers ruled out
Rabada's inclusion comes at a time when South Africa's pace attack has been significantly disrupted. Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi have all been ruled out of the series with hamstring injuries, leaving the squad thin on seam options.
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To compensate, selectors recalled Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson to bolster the bowling lineup.
Head coach Shukri Conrad explained the reasoning behind naming a preliminary rather than a final squad.
"We've selected a preliminary squad because we have an extended build-up to the first Test, with the group getting together in Durban on October 1," he said.
Source: Getty Images
Ackerman the only uncapped player
Batter Marques Ackerman is the sole uncapped player in the selection. The 30-year-old has been in outstanding red-ball form, scoring more than 1,000 runs across his last 10 appearances for South Africa "A" at an average of 82.92.
The spin department features Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy as the specialist options, with captain Aiden Markram providing additional off-spin cover as a part-timer.
Full Squad
Temba Bavuma (captain), 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 and Kyle Verreynne.
Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma caught in heated on-field exchange
Briefly News previously reported that a tense on-field argument between Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma drew widespread attention during South Africa's second ODI victory against Australia on Sunday, 28 September 2026.
The Proteas wrapped up the series with a game to spare, but the flashpoint overshadowed the result.
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Source: Briefly News
