South Africa have announced their playing XI for the first Test against Australia, starting on October 9 at Kingsmead, Durban. The Proteas will be without their experienced fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. In his absence, Anrich Nortje has been included in the playing XI and is set to make his Test comeback after more than three years.
Rabada was also unavailable for the recently concluded ODI series against Australia because of the same injury.
Kagiso Rabada Ruled Out Due to Hamstring Injury
South Africa will certainly miss the services of Kagiso Rabada, who has been one of their most reliable bowlers in Test cricket.
Rabada suffered a right hamstring injury during a training session in mid-August 2026. The injury forced him to miss the three-match ODI series against Australia in September.
Although he had resumed bowling during South Africa’s preparations for the Test series, the team management had been cautious about rushing him back into action.
His absence is a setback for the Proteas, especially considering his excellent record against Australia. Rabada has taken 340 Test wickets overall and averages just 21.39 against the Australians.
He also played an important role in South Africa’s victory over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final, picking up nine wickets in the match.
Anrich Nortje Returns to Test Cricket After Three Years
Anrich Nortje’s return is one of the biggest talking points of South Africa’s playing XI.
The right-arm fast bowler last represented South Africa in Test cricket against the West Indies at Centurion, in the match that began on February 28, 2023.
Nortje picked up five wickets for 36 runs in the first innings of that match. However, recurring back and hip injuries subsequently kept him away from the longest format.
The 32-year-old has primarily featured in limited-overs cricket in recent years, making his return to Test cricket particularly interesting.
Nortje has represented South Africa in 19 Test matches, taking 70 wickets at an average of 26.71. His best bowling figures in an innings are 6/56, and he has four five-wicket hauls to his name.
Anrich Nortje’s Test career statistics before his comeback
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 19 |
| Wickets | 70 |
| Bowling average | 26.71 |
| Best bowling | 6/56 |
| Five-wicket hauls | 4 |
| Economy rate | 3.67 |
With his ability to bowl at high speeds and trouble batters with extra bounce, Nortje could be a major threat to Australia on South African pitches.
South Africa’s Batting Lineup Against Australia
Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton will open the innings for South Africa, while David Bedingham has been given the responsibility of batting at number three.
Captain Temba Bavuma will bat at number four, followed by Tristan Stubbs at number five.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will occupy the number six position, while wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne will come in at number seven.
South Africa have also selected a strong bowling attack featuring Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje.
Even without Rabada, the Proteas have enough variety in their bowling attack. Jansen and Nortje provide the pace, while Harmer and Maharaj offer two different spin-bowling options.
Crucial Series for World Test Championship Qualification
The upcoming series is extremely important for both South Africa and Australia, with the two teams occupying the top two positions in the World Test Championship points tabl.
Australia and South Africa will be looking to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the next WTC final.
South Africa will have the advantage of playing at home, but defeating Australia will not be an easy task.
Rabada’s absence could make things difficult for the hosts, although they still possess a bowling attack capable of winning Test matches on South African soil.
Anrich Nortje will be the player to watch. After spending more than three years away from Test cricket, the experienced fast bowler has an opportunity to make a strong comeback against one of the toughest opponents in international cricket.
South Africa Playing XI for 1st Test Against Australia
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton
- David Bedingham
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper)
- Marco Jansen
- Simon Harmer
- Keshav Maharaj
- Anrich Nortje
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