Rabada ruled out of Australia ODIs with Test return uncertain

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia next month and faces a race against time to recover for the subsequent Test series.

Rabada suffered a right hamstring injury 10 days ago and has just under six weeks to regain fitness before the first Test, which begins on October 9. The Australia series forms part of a busy home summer for South Africa that includes eight Tests.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not disclosed the precise nature of Rabada’s injury but confirmed that he will remain sidelined for at least another four-and-a-half weeks.

“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 said.

“He will miss the three-match One-Day International series against Australia, scheduled from September 24 to 30. 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 is also not part of the T20I squad currently touring Namibia for a tri-series and three ODIs.

CSA’s update came after concerns emerged over the severity of the injury. South African publication Rapport reported on Sunday that Rabada could miss all three Tests because of a grade-three tear, citing comments from Lions bowling coach Allan Donald.

Donald, a former South Africa bowling coach, is not part of the national team setup but works with Rabada at his domestic union in Johannesburg. The Lions had hoped to use the fast bowler in the opening round of the first-class competition, which begins on September 10, but he is now unavailable.

However, CSA continues to monitor Rabada’s recovery and has not ruled him out of the Australia Tests.

Rabada’s injury will be a concern for South Africa ahead of a demanding season. The paceman was instrumental in their 2025 World Test Championship triumph over Australia, taking nine wickets in the final, and remains a key figure in their red-ball attack.

South Africa have previously shown they can cope without their premier fast bowler, having beaten India in India without Rabada when he missed the series because of a rib injury.

Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch are expected to shoulder much of the bowling workload, with Kwena Maphaka, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder providing further options.

Anrich Nortje could also come into contention for a Test comeback. The fast bowler, who is currently playing in the ETPL, is not centrally contracted and has not played a Test since March 2023.

Nortje was in line to feature in South Africa’s previous home Test series against Pakistan in early 2025 before an injury ruled him out.

Gerald Coetzee could also be considered after featuring for South Africa A against Bangladesh A in an unofficial Test series.