South Africa’s star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is racing against time to recover from a right hamstring injury ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. Rabada picked up the injury during his training programme and has already been ruled out of South Africa’s three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled from September 24 to 30. Cricket South Africa provided an update on his rehabilitation, saying, “Kagiso Rabada is currently progressing through the early stages of his rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury under the close supervision of the Cricket South Africa medical team.”
CSA further explained that Rabada’s Test availability will depend on his recovery, stating, “He will miss the three-match One-Day International series against Australia, scheduled from 24-30 September. His availability for the three-match Test series against Australia will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation, with a decision on his selection to be made closer to the series.” Rabada’s absence from the ODI series is a major concern for the Proteas, while his potential unavailability for the Tests would leave another significant gap in their bowling attack. South Africa are scheduled to face Australia in a three-Test series beginning October 9 in Durban. Rabada was instrumental in South Africa’s historic WTC Final victory over Australia at Lord’s in 2025, taking nine wickets in the match.
“There is a target on our backs”: Temba Bavuma opens up on South Africa’s Test Champions’ challenge ahead of Test series against Australia
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma believes the Proteas will enter their upcoming home assignments with greater expectations after winning the World Test Championship, but insists the team is embracing the pressure that comes with being the champions. “There is a target on our backs, if I could say it that way. Teams that are going to play against South Africa now will want to test their mettle against us as the No 1 team,” Bavuma told Times Live. He added, “If there is pressure, it is about us living up to that and being able to absorb pressure.”
Despite the increased attention, Bavuma said South Africa would continue building on the standards that helped them reach the top. “It is just a case of finding a way to exceed the standards that we have set for ourselves in the past. We walk around proudly as Test Championship champions. Being in the changeroom, I don’t see guys scared when we talk about that,” Bavuma said. He also stressed that the title should not alter the team’s approach, “There is a lot more foundational work that has gone on with the team, and I don’t believe it will change us. We know what we want to achieve: a lot of that identity has been set.”
