Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been declared fit for the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park, captain Temba Bavuma said on the eve of the match, giving the Proteas a major boost after a 214-run defeat in Durban.
Bowling leader returns
Rabada did not feature in the series opener as he completed rehabilitation for a hamstring complaint, but he has trained with the squad and is available for selection once the teams are confirmed on Sunday. With showers expected across the first two days, both captains agreed to wait until the toss to finalise XIs, though Bavuma indicated Rabada was likely to play.
"He was raring to go," Bavuma said, adding that Rabada brings an intangible lift to the attack.
Bavuma underlined the psychological and practical value Rabada provides. He pointed to the quick’s strong record against Australia — 58 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 21.39 — and noted that his presence raises the confidence of the bowlers around him.
| Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 58 | 21.39 |
Rabada’s contribution against Australia includes match-winning returns in marquee fixtures: he took nine wickets in the Proteas’ World Test Championship final victory at Lord’s in 2025, and collected 11 wickets across the corresponding meeting in 2017/18 — figures Bavuma cited when talking up his spearhead.
Batting changes after Durban collapse
While Rabada’s return strengthens the seam attack, South Africa have moved to address their batting frailties. Bavuma confirmed a reworked top order with Matthew Breetzke and uncapped batter Marques Ackerman in contention, as the hosts attempt to occupy the crease for longer and avoid repeating the first-innings batting implosion that cost them dearly in Durban.
"The first innings was where we fell short," Bavuma said, calling the deficit conceded at the Wanderers on a pitches of that nature "rather criminal". The message is clear: time at the crease will be prioritised, and selection will reflect that objective.
- Rabada is available after hamstring rehabilitation.
- Breetzke and Marques Ackerman are set to be included as South Africa reshuffle the batting.
- Selection confirmed only after the toss because of rain forecasts for the first two days.
Australia updates and standing changes
On the Australian side, captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Matt Renshaw will likely retain the No.5 slot after his match-winning 190 and follow-up 82 in Durban earned him the player-of-the-match award. Renshaw, typically an opener in Test cricket, has adapted to the middle-order role without complaint, Cummins said.
Australia remain without Cameron Green, who is still recovering from an abdominal injury sustained during last month’s one-day series. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is close to match fitness after recovering from a broken finger, Cummins added.
The series now shifts to Gqeberha, where conditions and weather could play a decisive role. Rain threatens to reduce playing time early in the match, increasing the value of a quick strike and placing a premium on bowlers who can make early inroads. That reality only enhances Rabada’s importance should he take the field.
For South Africa, the second Test offers immediate redemption and a chance to recalibrate. Bringing Rabada back gives the attack teeth and restores a leader in the seam unit; the batting rejig is an acknowledgement that the line-up must show greater resilience if the Proteas are to regain control of the series.
Selection and the toss will settle the final pieces of the puzzle on Sunday, but for now the headline is clear: Rabada is fit, and South Africa are set to fight back.
