South Africa Announce Preliminary Squad for Australia Tests; Kagiso Rabada Included Despite Injury

Pushing through the final stages of rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury, South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, aged 31, has been named in the preliminary 18-player squad set to face Australia in a highly anticipated three-Test series next month. The crucial decision on his readiness for the opening Test will be made following an intra-squad match scheduled for early October. The series is a vital part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, where both nations currently sit atop the standings. Australia Squad Announced for South Africa Test Series 2026.

South Africa Announce Preliminary Test Squad

Kagiso Rabada's Race Against Time

Rabada sustained his hamstring injury during South Africa's winter training in mid-August, ruling him out of the preceding One-Day International series against Australia. Despite this, Proteas Men's Head Coach Shukri Conrad has expressed optimism regarding Rabada's return, stating, "I'd be very surprised if we didn't see him during the Test series." The team is set to assemble in Durban on October 1 for several training days, including a two-day intra-squad match, which will serve as the final fitness test for Rabada and help coaches determine the optimal combinations for the series.

While Rabada continues his recovery, fellow seamers Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, and Lungi Ngidi were not considered for selection as they continue their own rehabilitation from hamstring complaints.

Proteas Squad Bolstered for Home Challenge

The preliminary 18-player squad, led by captain Temba Bavuma, sees the return of experienced fast bowlers Anrich Nortje (making his first Test appearance since March 2023), Gerald Coetzee, and Dane Paterson, adding significant depth to the pace attack. Hollywoodbets Dolphins batter Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped player, earning his maiden Test call-up after consistent performances for South Africa A and strong domestic form, including captaining South Africa A to a series victory over West Indies A in first-class cricket in mid-2025.

Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Test Series Schedule

Note: Local start times confirmed via StubHub and YouTube listings.

Kagiso Rabada's Form Against Australia

Rabada's potential return is a significant boost for South Africa, especially given his stellar record against Australia. In 11 Tests against the Baggy Greens, he has taken 58 wickets at an impressive average of 21.39. Overall, the 31-year-old boasts 340 Test wickets from 73 matches at an average of 22.04, with 17 five-wicket hauls to his name. His performance will be crucial as South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions after defeating Australia in the 2025 final, look to assert their dominance in the current WTC cycle. SA vs AUS 2026: Mitchell Starc Plays Down Rivalry, Insists There Is ‘No Animosity’ Between Australia and South Africa.

The upcoming series promises a gripping contest between two of Test cricket's leading nations, with Rabada's fitness adding another compelling narrative to what is already a high-stakes encounter for World Test Championship points. The Proteas will be eager to have their strike bowler fully fit and firing as they aim to kick off their home summer with a strong showing against their formidable rivals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 04:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).