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In a big boost for the South Africa National Cricket Team, Kagiso Rabada has been declared fit for the second Test against the Australia National Cricket Team starting on Sunday (October 18). Kagiso Rabada is set to return for South Africa in the second Test after recovering from a right hamstring injury.
The fast bowler suffered the injury during a training session in August 2026, forcing him to miss the white-ball series against Australia and the first Test in Durban, which South Africa lost by 214 runs. Amid this, Aiden Markram fitness update: South Africa star misses training ahead of 2nd Test vs Australia.
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje available, but South Africa delay Playing XI announcement for 2nd Test vs Australia
Kagiso Rabada has completed his rehabilitation with Cricket South Africa’s medical team and has returned to bowling in the nets. The Proteas speedster has also cleared his fitness tests and is now ready to make his comeback in the second Test against the Kangaroos in Gqeberha.
It has now been confirmed that Rabada is available for the selection for the South Africa National Cricket Team for the second Test against the Australia National Cricket Team starting on Sunday (October 18) in Gqeberha. Apart from Rabada, Anrich Nortje is also available for the second Test.
Rabada’s return is a massive boost for the South Africa side, especially because of his impressive record against Australia. The seasoned fast bowler has taken 58 wickets against Australia at an average of 21.39, including nine wickets in last year's ICC World Test Championship final.
Weather to decide Temba Bavuma’s final Playing XI
However, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has not yet revealed the playing XI for the second test against Australia in Gqeberha. Read Also: SA vs AUS Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test 2026.
Proteas are still deciding on their final bowling combination for the crucial match of the ongoing three-match Test series that is part of the WTC 2025-27 cycle.
Bavuma said that the weather forecast will play a key role in the final selection on the match day. He will take the final call after getting a clearer picture of the weather on Sunday in Gqeberha.
Marques Ackermann set for Test debut in Gqeberha
Meanwhile, South Africa are expected to make some important changes to their playing XI for the second Test against Australia, with Marques Ackermann set to make his debut. Ackerman recently smashed a double century for South Africa A and delivered impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Tristan Stubbs could be dropped, with in-form batter Matthew Breetzke likely to replace him. Breetzke recently scored a century against Australia in the ODI series in Durban and is in strong form. Ryan Rickelton will take over wicketkeeping duties, leaving Kyle Verreynne on the bench.
South Africa eye strong comeback after first Test defeat
However, Tony de Zorzi remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj struggled to make an impact in the first Test, so either of them would be dropped. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, and Dane Peterson are among the available options.
Well, South Africa’s defeat in Durban was the first loss under Temba Bavuma’s captaincy and just their second defeat in their last 10 Tests as the defending ICC World Test Championship champions.
