Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje fully fit and available for 2nd Test vs Australia

Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje fully fit and available for 2nd Test vs Australia

Kagiso Rabada Fit for South Africa’s Must-Win Second Test Against Australia

South Africa have received a major boost ahead of the second Test against Australia, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada declared fit and available for selection. The Proteas will look to respond after a heavy defeat in the series opener in Durban when the teams meet in Gqeberha on Sunday, October 18.

Rabada has completed his rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury, returned to bowling in the nets and passed the required fitness tests. His availability gives captain Temba Bavuma an experienced strike bowler to consider as South Africa seek to level the three-match series and strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Rabada’s Return Offers South Africa a Proven Weapon

The injury occurred during a training session in August 2026, ruling Rabada out of South Africa’s white-ball series against Australia and the first Test in Durban. The Proteas lost that match by 214 runs, leaving the team with little room for error in the second encounter.

Rabada’s record against Australia makes his return especially significant. He has taken 58 wickets against the visitors at an average of 21.39, demonstrating an ability to trouble their batters across different conditions. He also claimed nine wickets in last year’s ICC World Test Championship final, underlining his value in high-pressure Test cricket.

His presence could improve South Africa’s ability to strike early, maintain pressure through the middle sessions and exploit any movement offered by the Gqeberha surface. Rabada’s pace and experience may also help balance a bowling attack that struggled to make a decisive impact in Durban.

Anrich Nortje is also available for selection, giving the hosts another established fast-bowling option. However, Rabada’s return does not automatically settle the final combination. South Africa must weigh the conditions, workload and effectiveness of their available bowlers before naming the XI.

Weather Could Shape Bavuma’s Final Team Decision

Bavuma has delayed confirming South Africa’s playing XI, with the weather forecast expected to influence the final call. The captain said the team would assess conditions closer to the start of play before settling on its bowling combination.

That decision could determine whether South Africa opt for an additional seamer or retain two specialist spinners. If the forecast suggests cloudy conditions or a greater chance of assistance for fast bowlers, the selectors may favour extra pace. A drier outlook could strengthen the case for spin, particularly as the match progresses and the pitch begins to wear.

South Africa’s selection challenge is made more complicated by the first Test performance. Neither Simon Harmer nor Keshav Maharaj had the impact the hosts would have wanted in Durban, so one of the spinners could be left out. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Peterson are among the seam-bowling alternatives available to the selectors.

Marques Ackermann Could Make His Test Debut

South Africa are also considering changes to their batting line-up. Marques Ackermann is reportedly in line for a Test debut after producing a double century for South Africa A and impressing in domestic cricket. His recent form could earn him an opportunity as the Proteas look for greater stability and run-scoring depth.

Matthew Breetzke is another batter attracting attention. He is expected to be considered as a possible replacement for Tristan Stubbs after scoring a century against Australia in the ODI series in Durban. While limited-overs success does not guarantee Test runs, Breetzke’s current form gives the selectors a compelling option as they search for a stronger response with the bat.

Ryan Rickelton is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties, which would leave Kyle Verreynne out of the side. The potential changes point to a broader effort to refresh the team after the opening defeat, rather than relying on the same combination to produce a different result.

Tony de Zorzi will remain unavailable because of a hamstring injury. His absence reduces South Africa’s options in the batting order and adds pressure on the fit players to deliver consistent contributions across both innings.

South Africa Seek a Response After Durban Defeat

The loss in Durban was the first defeat of Bavuma’s captaincy and only South Africa’s second loss in their previous 10 Tests. The result was a setback for the reigning World Test Championship champions, but it also leaves the series finely poised: Australia can take an unassailable lead with another win, while South Africa need a strong performance to keep their hopes alive.

The second Test therefore carries importance beyond the immediate series score. A victory would give the Proteas momentum and valuable points in the WTC standings; another defeat would leave them facing a difficult final match. For Australia, carrying their Durban form into Gqeberha would put them in a commanding position.

South Africa vs Australia Second Test Prediction

The return of Rabada improves South Africa’s prospects, particularly if he is fit enough to bowl a full workload and receives support from Nortje or another pace option. The hosts may also benefit from fresh faces in the batting order, though debutants and in-form newcomers will face a demanding test against Australia’s attack.

Any prediction remains dependent on the final team selections and the weather in Gqeberha. If conditions favour seam bowling, South Africa’s pace resources could make the contest more even. If the pitch offers limited assistance, the Proteas will need substantial contributions from their batters to avoid repeating the problems that led to the Durban defeat. Australia enter the match with the advantage, but Rabada’s availability gives South Africa a significant reason for renewed optimism.

Latest News